Pittsburgh Steelers elevate speedy running back for Cowboys game

The Pittsburgh Steelers have elevated running back Jonathan Ward from the practice squad for their game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Ward will be the third running back behind Najee Harris and Aaron Shampklin with Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson sidelined with injuries.

Ward was signed by the Steelers after a rookie minicamp tryout in May. He suffered a minor hamstring injury after an impressive performance in their first preseason game against the Houston Texans, but still did enough in his short time with the team to make the practice squad.

Ward is a veteran running back and has spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans. An undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan in the 2020 NFL Draft, Ward has just 17 rushes for 59 yards in his entire career. His elevation with the Steelers will give him a chance to improve upon those numbers.

Throughout practice over the last week, Ward and Shampklin have competed to see who will be the first running back behind Harris. Harris ran for just 19 yards on 13 carries against the Indianapolis Colts, and the Steelers could look to get one of Ward or Shampklin, who are quicker and have more burst, involved to give the Cowboys a different look in this game.

BETTING:

More Pittsburgh Steelers News

Davante Adams trade timeline revealed, Steelers still monitoring closely

George Pickens floated as surprise trade candidate by insider

Pittsburgh Steelers defense gets boost with return of ex-Ravens linebacker

Pittsburgh Steelers aggressively pursuing superstar WR

Pittsburgh Steelers add talented former Broncos receiver for Cowboys game