The 2020 NFL season is now six weeks down and the Steelers are heading into a tough three-game road stretch. One of the things that is different in the 2020 NFL than in years past is the expanded 16-man practice squad roster which can include up to six veteran players. Another feature of the practice squad is two players can be elevated each week to the game-day roster without having to replace someone else who is already on the 53. Because of this, teams are able to protect four players every week who cannot be signed by other teams until after their upcoming matchup.
This week, the Steelers chose three of the same four players as last week who are protected for their Week 7 matchup against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday at 1 PM in Nashville. Outside linebacker Jayrone Elliott was on the list last week but is not protected for Week 7.
Defensive lineman Henry Mondeaux and running back Wendell Smallwood are now on their seventh week of being protected by the Steelers. Even though the Steelers did not play in Week 4, they had already declared their four players in anticipation of the matchup. Although neither player has been called into action, the Steelers have declared these two players to be vital in their weekly preparation.
Wide receiver Deon Cain is on the list yet again this week which makes his fourth straight appearance. Cain was elevated from the practice squad last week against the Cleveland Browns in order to fill out the wide receiver depth chart with five players as Diontae Johnson missed the game with a back injury. Cain played only four offensive snaps with no targets before reverting back to the practice squad on Monday.
The last player protected is running back Trey Edmunds who was also protected in Week 4 when the Steelers ultimately ended up with a bye. Edmunds was elevated to the active roster in Week 5 although he wasn’t protected. Edmunds helped to fill the void left by Derek Watt who missed the Steelers matchup with the Eagles. With Watt dealing with the same hamstring injury once again, it was wise to make sure Edmunds is available for Sunday just in case.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for their Week 7 game against Tennessee.
