Steelers Make Strong Move By Signing Veteran Return Man Ahead Of Important Week 6 Matchup

The Pittsburgh Steelers are sitting at 3-1 as they just completed their bye week. Now in Week 6, the Steelers will be facing the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Coming off the bye, this AFC North showdown is their first divisional matchup of the 2025 season, and expectations are high. 

Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Head Coach Mike Tomlin look to guide Pittsburgh to a key divisional victory. The Steelers have shown flashes of promise through the first four weeks, but a win against a familiar rival could set the tone for the rest of the season.

In a surprising move on Monday, the Steelers made a minor roster adjustment. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, veteran running back and return specialist Raheem Blackshear has been signed to Pittsburgh’s practice squad. 

While the signing is relatively low-profile, it signals the team’s interest in bolstering their return game. Blackshear brings experience and versatility, and the Steelers could potentially call him up to the active roster to handle kick and punt returns. This could provide an extra spark on special teams, an area the team is hoping to improve as they push toward the midseason mark.

The addition of Blackshear also highlights the Steelers’ focus on depth and flexibility, particularly in a division known for physical play and strong special teams. Rodgers and the offense could possibly benefit from improved field position opportunities if Blackshear earns playing time. 

Meanwhile, the Steelers’ defense will aim to set the tone early against the Browns, taking advantage of any momentum shifts created by big returns. As Pittsburgh looks to protect their standing atop the AFC North, all eyes will be on how this roster tweak fits into the larger plan for both the offense and special teams in Week 6. Of course there's also a chance Blackshear never sees the active roster.

After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Blackshear signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. That stint didn’t last long, as he was waived by the Bills just three months later. The team added him to their practice squad, but on September 21, 2022, the Carolina Panthers claimed him off the practice squad.

Blackshear went on to play three seasons with the Panthers before being waived with an injury settlement as part of final roster cuts ahead of the 2025 season. The Tennessee Titans added him to their practice squad but released him just a week later. Now, Blackshear finds himself in the Steel City on the Steelers’ practice squad, looking for his next opportunity to make an impact in the regular season.

Steelers Have New Return Man Option In Raheem Blackshear

Blackshear has started just two NFL games as a running back in his career. He has carried the ball 52 times for 203 rushing yards and scored three rushing touchdowns. Where Blackshear has really seen opportunity is as a return man. He has fielded 66 kickoff returns for 1,734 yards, averaging 26.3 yards per return. In the 2022 season, he lost a fumble on a return, but has had no issues with ball security since that moment.

It remains to be seen what role he may play with the Steelers, but he provides Pittsburgh’s special teams unit with a reliable safety net. Steelers fans will keep a keen eye to see if Blackshear gets called up to the active roster before Sunday.

What do you think about the Steelers' choice to sign Raheem Blackshear to their practice squad? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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