The Pittsburgh Steelers filled their open spot on the practice squad today by signing guard John Malecki. There was an open spot after running back John Clay was signed to the 53 man roster on Friday because of the shortage of running backs. Clay was signed and cornerback Curtis Brown was placed on injured reserve. The shortage at running back was due to running back Mewelde Moore being sidelined for the next couple of weeks after suffering an MCL sprain against the San Francisco 49ers. Moore missed the Saturday game against the St. Louis Rams and will likely be out again this coming Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
Malecki, a former University of Pittsburgh product, was with the Steelers in training camp this year and was on the practice squad to start the season. He was released from the practice squad in early October. He can play both guard and center and was likely signed back this week due to the shoulder injury suffered by Doug Legursky on Saturday. With Maurkice Pouncey and Legursky unlikely to get much, if any, practice time this week, Malecki will get the second team reps behind Trai Essex.
Should both Pouncey and Legursky be down this week, we could see Malecki signed to the 53 man roster on Saturday with linebacker Mortty Ivy being released. This would allow Malecki to back up Essex at center against the Browns.
