PITTSBURGH — Typically in a training camp situation, when the Steelers line up to field kickoffs and punts, they have as many as five players lining up to return the ball.
But earlier this week, when they worked on punt returns at training camp at Heinz Field, the Steelers had just three players back to field kicks, Diontae Johnson, Ryan Switzer and defensive back James Pierre.
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Thursday, the team reportedly added to that number. According to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Steelers are signings former Bills and Panthers return man Ray-Ray McCloud.
The Steelers will have to make a corresponding roster move to make room for McCloud on their 80-man roster, but they are carrying just eight wide receivers, which seems a bit light compared to most years.
Teams can keep 53 players on their active roster, which can increase to 55 players on game day, with a 16-man practice squad. The Steelers typically keep six receivers on their active roster and with the increased practice squad, it would make sense to keep two wide receivers, meaning before signing McCloud the eight receivers on the roster would all have a good chance of making the roster in some form or fashion.
McCloud, 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, would give the Steelers another player with return capabilities.
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