A Steelers Depot daily segment. A quick hit of some Pittsburgh Steelers-related stories that may not require a complete article, but nuggets worth mentioning and passing on to you guys.
Your Depot After Dark for Aug. 4.
Giants Adding Ward
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Ward is signing with the New York Giants, according to reporter Aaron Wilson. Ward is inking a deal after trying out with the team, filling in as depth after injuries ahead on the team’s depth chart.
Ward appeared in four games with the Steelers last season, carrying the ball five times for 22 yards. He also played 59 special teams snaps. Pittsburgh elevated him from the practice squad after early-season injuries to Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson but when the group got healthier at the end of the year, Ward was left on the practice squad. Pittsburgh initially carried him on its offseason roster but released him in June.
New York’s suffered multiple injuries at running back, including to rookie Cam Skattebo, so Ward should get plenty of burn this summer. He’ll look to stick on the practice squad.
Elsewhere, former Steelers TE Nick Vannett is still in the league, signing with the Minnesota Vikings today.
Air Metcalf
The Steelers’ social media channels posted a great photo of DK Metcalf showing off his hops during yesterday’s practice, leaping up to snag this pass during individual/positional drills. Just look how high up receivers like No. 85 Ke’Shawn Williams and No. 13 Scotty Miller are looking.
Pittsburgh hopes Metcalf makes those kinds of plays throughout the regular season. Since being drafted in 2019, his 48 touchdowns are tied for fifth among all NFL players. Of those 48, 10 have come inside the 5-yard-line, tied for 10th among all wide receivers.
Frazier’s Kind Gesture
Training camp isn’t just about what happens on the field. It’s a special time for fans to meet their favorite players up close. One fan shared that moment with C Zach Frazier, getting an autograph and photo with him over the weekend.
It’s one of the benefits of the Steelers being one of just a handful of teams to have a “destination” training camp, putting them in an environment the players – and fans – wouldn’t otherwise be in. Frazier is one of many Steelers to sign autographs before and after practice.
