The Pittsburgh Steelers are continuing to add to their 90-man offseason roster as they head into Phase Three of OTA‘s today. After attending rookie minicamp earlier this month on a tryout basis, running back Jonathan Ward has been signed to a one-year contract.

We have signed RB Jonathan Ward to a one-year contract. @BordasLaw

📝: https://t.co/D55aDkUi7I pic.twitter.com/Nazlc28TCO

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 21, 2024

Jonathan Ward played four seasons at Central Michigan before being signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Ward did not make the 53-man roster his rookie season but was signed to the practice squad. After being elevated in Week 3 and Week 4 of his rookie year, Ward was signed to the active roster. Ward appeared in 14 games with no rushing attempts but one reception for an 11-yard touchdown.

Ward spent all of 2021 on the Cardinals roster but was placed on the Reserve/Injured List with a hamstring injury in October 2022. After being released in November, Ward spent a week on the practice squad of the New York Jets before being signed to the practice squad of the Tennessee Titans. Ward appeared in three games for the Titans in 2022 and spent 2023 split between the practice squad and active roster.

In all, Ward has appeared in 42 NFL games with 17 rushing attempts for 69 yards and eight receptions for 6 yards and one touchdown. More notably, Ward has 553 special team snaps over four seasons compared to just 70 offensive snaps.

Ward joins a Steelers running back room with few question marks at the top of the depth chart. With Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren returning as the only two running backs who had rushing attempts in 2023, Ward will join the ranks along with Cordarrelle Patterson, Aaron Shampklin, and 2024 UDFA Daijun Edwards at the position.

Stay tuned to Steel Curtain Network’s continued coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 offseason as the team continues into Phase Three of OTAs.