The Pittsburgh Steelers shuffled their practice squad Tuesday, and their moves left a vacancy on the 1-man unit. After releasing two players and only signing one, it was only a matter of time until they filled the spot which remained open.

Wednesday the team announced they have signed a familiar face to the practice squad in offensive lineman Ryan McCollum.

This per the Steelers official Twitter/X account:

We have signed C Ryan McCollum to the practice squad. @BordasLawhttps://t.co/icQZpkMlkK

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 13, 2023

For those who can’t place McCollum in their memory, here is a breakdown of what he’s done in the league, per the Steelers official website:

McCollum returns to the Steelers after he was waived just prior to the start of the 2023 season. McCollum also spent the 2022 season on the Steelers practice squad.

McCollum was originally claimed by the Steelers off waivers from the Detroit Lions during training camp in 2022. McCollum has spent time with the Houston Texans, Detroit Lions and Steelers, playing in 13 games, with one start, during his three-year career.

What does this mean for the Steelers 53-man roster? As of right now, nothing. While it is expected the Steelers will be putting Cam Heyward on Injured Reserve (IR), there are no serious injuries to the offensive line which would make anyone believe the team will promote a player like McCollum to the game day squad anytime soon.

It isn’t as if there aren’t some injuries along the offensive line. James Daniels was seen in a walking boot after the game, and Mike Tomlin said he could be limited in the early portions of the week. Also, Chuks Okorafor is in the NFL’s concussion protocol, and the extra day before a Monday night game might help him clear the protocol in time to play. In other words, consider this move another level of insurance for the big men up front.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Cleveland Browns to invade Pittsburgh in Week 2.