The Pittsburgh Steelers announced their final 53-man roster roughly one week ago, but that doesn't mean that the organization was going to be done constructing the roster for the 2025 season. The team brought back some players that cleared waivers to the practice squad, and the franchise has also been looking around the league to see if any other upgrades could be made. This could be some added depth to the active roster, or some better options for the practice squad.
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Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The fan base has been looking for General Manager Omar Khan to make a splash before the 2025 season kicks off as a lot of fans want to see the Steelers find a way to acquire another impactful wide receiver. That doesn't seem likely at this point, but it doesn't mean Khan isn't making moves. He signed special teamer and inside linebacker Jon Rhattigan to the practice squad on Tuesday after a successful visit on Monday.
Former Seahawks and Panthers linebacker Jon Rhattigan, cut by Carolina last week, is signing with the Steelers today after a visit. Army grad is 26, a special-teams standout who has 44 tackles in four NFL seasons.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 2, 2025
Rhattigan was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks back in 2021. He spent three seasons with Seattle, and the 2024 season with the Carolina Panthers. He played against the Steelers in the final preseason game in 2025 before being waived by the Panthers, and he cleared waivers, but was not brought back to Carolina.
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Pittsburgh Steelers LB Jon Rhattigan during his time with the Seattle Seahawks in a game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Over Rhattigan's career, he has played just 20 defensive snaps, and he is primarily known for his abilities on special teams. He has logged over 1,000 snaps on special teams, and he has recorded 44 total tackles, including 12 in 2024. He is signed to the practice squad for now, but Rhattigan is a player fans should probably expect to see on kickoff and on punt.
Rhattigan was likely brought in to add some depth on special teams, and he can also be used as some sort of insurance policy for seventh-round pick Carson Bruener, who is expected to take on a role on special teams. Fans might not notice Rhattigan at all during the 2025 season, but there is also the chance that he is able to make a couple of splash plays on special teams for Pittsburgh that could seriously affect a game.
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Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener celebrates after making a big play during his time at Washington.
What do you think of the Steelers adding Jon Rhattigan to the practice squad? Do you expect to see him during the regular season? Let us know in the comments below!
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