Pittsburgh has filled the final slot on its practice squad, bringing back second-year cornerback Doneiko Slaughter, the team announced early Wednesday.
Slaughter has already had a busy stint with the Steelers this year after starting his NFL career as a Jaguars undrafted free agent in 2025.
Originally signed to a futures deal with Pittsburgh in January, Slaughter was thrust into starting duty at the nickel position for some of the summer as Jalen Ramsey and Brandin Echols dealt with injury. Slaughter made
the Steelers’ initial practice squad following cutdown day, and then was elevated to the team’s active roster for the first three games of the season — the maximum number under NFL rules.
However, Slaughter was then signed to the Steelers’ 53-man roster ahead of the team’s Week 4 matchup in order to play against the Cleveland Browns. While he still hasn’t appeared in a defensive snap this year, Slaughter has played in four games and 23% of Pittsburgh’s special teams snaps.
The Steelers waived Slaughter following the Browns game, but after the cornerback cleared waivers, he was re-signed back to the practice squad.
Steelers beat writers such as Alan Saunders and Chris Halicke have reported that the team cannot elevate Slaughter again.
