Veteran linebacker Ade Ogundeji has returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers after being briefly released from the 53-man roster. The team signed the 26-year-old to their practice squad just a day after his release. Additionally, the Steelers announced the release of offensive tackle Dylan Cook on October 31.
Cook, who began the 2024 season on injured reserve, was set to return after the team’s Week 9 bye. His 21-day window for returning from IR opened on October 17.
This season, Ogundeji has played in three games for the Steelers, logging 25 defensive snaps and 6 on special teams. Meanwhile, Cook spent the previous season on Pittsburgh’s active roster but did not see game action.
The Steelers’ decision to bring Ogundeji back to the practice squad was anticipated. He has been signed and released from the active roster multiple times this month. His recent release was likely made to create space for cornerback Cameron Sutton, who is returning from an 8-game suspension in Week 10. Notably, the Steelers Depot reported that the Commissioner granted a roster exemption for Sutton, allowing him to reintegrate without occupying a spot on the 53-man roster until November 4.
Ogundeji started his NFL career as a fifth-round pick for the Atlanta Falcons and has recorded 3 sacks and 8 tackles for loss in 35 games. He is one of four linebackers on the Steelers practice squad, alongside Devin Harper, Eku Leota, and Craig Young.
The release of Cook indicates that the Steelers opted not to fill the open roster spot with additional offensive line depth, especially after activating him from injured reserve. Some fans have questioned this decision, given the team’s depth issues, but it seems the Steelers are confident in their current backup tackles, Calvin Anderson and Spencer Anderson. Cook, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022, may return to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
