According to WSAW-TV in Wausau, WI, the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed defensive end Ethan Hemer to their practice squad.
Hemer, who was with the Steelers during training camp and the preseason, was originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin back in May.
Hemer played 54 snaps during the preseason and he registered one sack and two total tackles during his limited playing time. He fills the spot on the practice squad that came open when safety Ross Ventrone was promoted to the 53 man roster on Saturday.
Hemer’s signing is also a sign that the Steelers will need some healthy defensive linemen bodies this week during practice. Nose tackle Steve McLendon was ruled out Tuesday for the Monday night game against the Houston Texans with a shoulder injury while defensive ends Brett Keisel and Cameron Heyward are both currently nursing knee and ankle injuries respectively.
