Steelers sign Doneiko Slaughter to active roster, elevate Lew Nichols and Brandon Smith, place Michael Pittman on injured reserve
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed defensive back Doneiko Slaughter from the practice squad, elevated running back Lew Nichols and wide receiver Brandon Smith from the practice squad and placed wide receiver Michael Pittman on injured reserve, the team transaction log shows Oct. 10. The moves were listed in the team’s transaction log and reflect short-term roster adjustments. They provide the Steelers additional options on offense and in the secondary as the club manages injuries and personnel churn.
Slaughter has been part of repeated roster activity this season, moving between the practice squad and active roster several times. The transaction record shows he was signed to the active roster on Oct. 1, waived on Oct. 5, added to the practice squad on Oct. 7 and returned to the active roster Oct. 10. He also received multiple elevations from the practice squad in September, indicating the staff views him as a depth option in the secondary. The pattern underscores his role as an available option for game-day coverage.
Nichols and Brandon Smith were elevated from the practice squad in the same transaction. Both players signed reserve/futures contracts with the club in January, giving them offseason ties to the roster before this season’s practice-squad work. The elevations provide the Steelers short-term depth at running back and wide receiver for the active roster. Their promotions reflect routine use of practice-squad players to address immediate roster needs.
The transaction log lists Michael Pittman as being placed on injured reserve in the Oct. 10 update. The move removes him from the active roster and opens a spot for others to be signed or elevated. The Steelers will need to adjust their receiving corps depth chart in response to his absence. The designation may lead to further roster moves in the coming days.
NFL Sports Blog Take
These roster maneuvers underscore the Steelers’ continued reliance on the practice squad to supply game-day depth and to manage short-term injuries. Doneiko Slaughter’s repeated promotions suggest the staff values his availability in the secondary while the elevations of Lew Nichols and Brandon Smith add immediate options at running back and receiver. Placing a wide receiver on injured reserve will necessitate further adjustments to the active roster in the coming days.