The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed wide receiver Quez Watkins to their practice squad. That makes 16 on the PS, which is the allotted amount. The only way they can add another player is via an international exemption.
The Steelers also signed wide receiver Ben Skowronek, guard/tackle John Leglue, guard/tackle Doug Nester, running back Boston Scott, wide receiver Brandon Johnson, outside linebacker Adetokunbo Ogundeji and linebacker Devin Harper to the team’s practice squad on Friday.
The nine players who were re-signed to the practice squad are tight end Rodney Williams, running back Jonathan Ward, fullback Jack Colletto, defensive tackle Jacob Slade, outside linebacker Marcus Haynes, cornerback Anthony Averett, cornerback Zyon Gilbert, defensive back Thomas Graham and Watkins.
Watkins started the offseason as the fourth wide receiver on the Steelers’ depth chart, behind George Pickens, Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III. As the spring and summer went on, he lost playing the to both rookie Roman Wilson and special teamer Scotty Miller.
The Steelers tried Watkins on special teams, but his one stint as a punt returner did not go well, with two mis-judged fair catches and a muff. He also showed inconsistent hands during training camp. In three preseason games, he finished with one catch for 10 yards.
A 26-year-old in his fifth NFL season, Watkins will not have to clear waivers. The Steelers signed him to a one-year contract earlier this offseason after he spent his first four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, who drafted him in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Watkins’ best season in Philadelphia came in 2021, when he made 12 starts and caught 43 passes for 647 yards and one touchdown.
This past season, Watkins played in nine games and caught 15 catches for 142 yards and a touchdown. His season was limited to just nine appearances due to a hamstring injury. His best game in 2023 came during the Eagles’ Week 17 loss to the New York Giants. In that game, Watkins caught eight of his 11 targets for 93 yards and a touchdown.
In the Eagles’ playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Watkins was targeted four times as he hauled in three of them for 12 yards.
