The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed running back Lew Nichols from the practice squad to their 53-man active roster ahead of their Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Nichols is was out of practice squad elevations, as he was a gameday call-up for the third week in a row, in Week 5 as the team dealt with the absence of Rico Dowdle.
Since Dowdle has been sidelined with a toe injury, the Steelers have both signed Travis Homer from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, and now Nichols.
Nichols has theoretically been the backup to starting running back Jaylen Warren, but he’s played a very small role. Over the last three weeks, Nichols has appeared in a handful snaps on offense, running the ball twice. It was the first NFL carry for Nichols, a seventh-round pick in 2023. Nichols had spent time with the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Head coach Mike McCarthy said last week that he might need to give some other backs more of the workload with Dowdle still sidelined with a dislocated toe.
“I’m excited about our young guys,” McCarthy said. “I think it’s important for us to give these guys an opportunity.”
Dowdle is officially questionable to play on Sunday with a dislocated toe on his left foot. He was limited in practice on Wednesday but was a full participant on Thursday and Friday.
Nichols signed to the Steelers practice squad after an impressive preseason. He also spent last year on Pittsburgh’s practice squad, playing one game exclusively on special teams.
“I really just stay even-keeled, man,” Nichols said. “Not getting too high, not getting too low. Just being grateful for whatever position I am in at that moment. Everything has pros and cons, so just staying humble, and really just making the most of my opportunity, but I’m not really too caught up on fame and things of that sort. But, definitely, when I get my opportunity, I’m gonna make sure they know exactly who I am.”
To make room for Nichols on the 53-man roster, the Steelers placed wide receiver Roman Wilson on the injured reserve list. The team also elevated wide receivers, Brandon Smith and Brandon Johnson from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.
Brendan Howe contributed.
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