KJ Henry’s latest NFL opportunity comes in a familiar place.
The former Clemson defensive end is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo. The move follows a Monday workout and gives Henry another chance to resume his career after an injury interrupted his preseason with San Francisco.
Henry joined the 49ers on July 29 but was waived with an injury designation on Aug. 12. Garafolo reported that Henry had made a positive impression in camp before getting hurt.
Pittsburgh has brought him in twice before. Henry spent part of the 2025 season on the Steelers’ practice squad, signing in October before being released in November. He returned on a reserve/future contract in January but was released in June.
For the 27-year-old, the latest signing continues a professional career that has included several stops since Washington selected him in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Henry has appeared in 15 games, including three starts, recording 22 tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
He also earned a Super Bowl ring while with Philadelphia’s practice squad during the Eagles’ championship season.
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Before entering the NFL, Henry developed into a productive member of the Tigers’ defensive front. He helped the Tigers win the 2018 national championship and finished his five-year college career with 147 tackles, 28 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks.
His final Clemson season brought All-ACC and All-America recognition in 2022. Henry appeared in 58 games for the Tigers, setting the program’s career record for a defensive end at the time.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Former Clemson star defensive end signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers
