The Pittsburgh Steelers have waived OT Dylan Cook from their 53-man roster just one day after activating the former undrafted free agent from injured reserve. In addition, the team has signed EDG Ade Ogundeji to the practice squad after releasing him earlier this week. The team announced the moves moments ago.
Cook suffered a foot injury in the summer and began the year on injured reserve. Pittsburgh opened his practice and return window earlier this month, and he fully practiced for roughly the past two weeks. The Steelers officially activated him from IR and placed him on their 53-man roster Wednesday.
It’s a curious decision for a team that has dealt with offensive tackle issues this season. Rookie RT Troy Fautanu was lost for the season due to dislocated kneecap ahead of Week 3 while RT Broderick Jones has struggled throughout the season.
Dylan Cook was initially signed in the spring of 2023 after spending time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A college quarterback, he impressed in training camp with the Steelers, displaying good technique and athleticism. He had an average training camp this year but remained in the mix for a roster spot until his injury. Calvin Anderson and Spencer Anderson will continue to serve as backup tackles.
Our training camp recap gave him a C-plus.
“Cook’s camp wasn’t bad. He’s still athletic, uses his hands well, and rarely has a terrible rep or bad day. So perhaps it’s unfair to critique him without a clear red mark on his camp grade. I just thought it’d be a little more…next level. A little more, ‘This is the guy.’ Pittsburgh also moved him around less this year than last year. Really, they didn’t move anyone besides Broderick Jones until injuries forced their hand.
“Cook spent most of camp at left tackle, only playing a little bit on the right side after Fautanu was injured, and zero guard after seeing late-summer work there a year ago. Granted, Pittsburgh had a stronger and deeper line, especially along the interior, so there really weren’t opportunities to be flexible.”
Ogundeji has bounced on and off the Steelers’ 53-man roster and practice squad. He’s served as EDGE depth after injuries to Jeremiah Moon, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig. Highsmith and Moon have returned while Herbig could be back in Week 10.
Pittsburgh still has two open spots on its 53-man roster and one open spot on their practice squad. CB Cam Sutton will almost certainly fill one of those open spots on the 53-man roster. Though his suspension has been lifted, the team received a roster exemption for him through Monday, meaning he still doesn’t technically count against the 53. The Steelers could also activate LB Tyler Matakevich from IR ahead of Week 10 and add him to their roster.
