Steelers practice squad 2020: Pittsburgh protects 4 PS players for Week 9
For Week 9 practice squad protections, Pittsburgh tabbed wide receiver Deon Cain, linebacker Jayrone Elliott and running back Wendell Smallwood. For the first time this season, the Steelers have also protected rookie defensive back Antoine Brooks. The safety was a sixth-round selection.
These four are not eligible to sign with another team until after Sunday’s game.
Practice squad “protection” is a new concept for the 2020 season. It’s a concession for the potential personnel shortages that could occur if the virus strikes the locker room.
Teams can designate protected players each Tuesday beginning at 4 p.m., except for clubs that played on the previous Monday night; their designations go into effect prior to 4 p.m. Wednesday.
The Steelers continue their 2020 season Sunday, Nov. 8 versus the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
