Half of the allotted 16 practice squad spots were filled Thursday by the Pittsburgh Steelers when they brought back eight players who were on their roster in training camp and the preseason.
Returning to the organization are three defensive backs: Thomas Graham Jr., who competed for the starting slot corner position, veteran Anthony Averett and Zyon Gilbert. Also signing were defensive lineman Jacob Slade, linebacker Marcus Haynes, fullback Jack Colletto, running back Jonathan Ward and tight end Rodney Williams.
An indication those players were returning came Wednesday, the day after rosters were reduced to 53 players, and they still had lockers at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
The Steelers still have eight practice squad slots to fill. After an NFL-mandated four-day break for players, the Steelers will return to practice Monday to begin preparing for the season opener Sept. 8 in Atlanta.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.