The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed undrafted free agent running back, Master Teague III, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. In a corresponding move, Jeremy McNichols has been placed on the IR. McNichols' bout with the team seems to be short-lived, as he signed just over a week ago. He suffered a shoulder injury in training camp, forcing him to sit out this week.
Steelers RB Jeremy McNichols in his first week at training camp in Latrobe before suffering a shoulder injury. Credit: Jordan Schofield/Steeler Nation (JSKO_PHOTO)
McNichols' injury, paired with starter Najee Harris getting dinged up on Monday, forced the Steelers to bring in another guy at running back. The room became thin pretty quickly with those two injuries, as well as the release of Trey Edmunds a few weeks ago. Thankfully, Harris' injury seems minor, as he just happened to roll his ankle. He sat out of Tuesday's practice, which just seems to be a precautionary measure before another heavy workload this season.
As for Teague, he played his college ball, four years in total, at Ohio State. He becomes the third rookie running back on the Steelers roster, all of which are undrafted free agents. The other two, Jaylen Warren and Mataeo Durant, have seen more snaps at camp with the recent injuries. Teague wasn't all that productive in college, as he never got to be a full-time starter. He had to sit behind the likes of current NFL RBs Trey Sermon and JK Dobbins in his first few seasons at Ohio State. He was expected to have more of a role as a senior, but freshman TreVeyon Henderson came in and took over the starting job.
In four seasons, he had 1,764 rushing yards (5.5 yards per carry) along with 17 rushing touchdowns. Through the air, he had just 11 career catches for 118 receiving yards. He's more of a power back, as evidenced by his 226-pound frame, as listed last year, in college. Essentially, he's similar in style to Warren and Benny Snell Jr. Rather than going for a veteran like David Johnson or even Jordan Howard, whom they worked out last week, the Steelers opted to go with another young running back.
Warren has specifically taken advantage of his opportunities, displaying power as well as an ability to block. Teague will now have the opportunity to do the same, as if he proves himself quickly, he could become an eventual practice squad candidate. McNichols ends up on the Injured Reserve, and who knows what will happen with his future once he's fully recovered. It couldn't come at a worse time for the journeyman veteran, as the young guys will now all be able to prove themselves.
Steelers rookie running back Jaylen Warren continues to impress training camp in Latrobe. Credit: Jordan Schofield/Steeler Nation (JSKO_PHOTO)
For now, it mostly seems as a depth signing. Who knows though, perhaps he can work his way into a spot if he impresses. What are your initial thoughts on this signing, specifically for college football fans out there? Could he unseat a guy like Benny Snell Jr.? Do you just see this as a depth signing? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
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