The Pittsburgh Steelers re-signed outside linebacker Julius Welschof to their practice squad on Tuesday, as confirmed by the team. Welschof, who was initially brought in as an undrafted free agent in 2024, had spent the summer with the Steelers before his injury. This move marks his return to the team after a brief stint on injured reserve.
Born in Germany, Welschof has a diverse football background. He played for the Munich Cowboys in Germany for four years before moving to the United States to continue his football career. He spent three seasons at Michigan and one year at Charlotte, marking the transition from international to college football. At 27 years old, 2024 is considered his rookie year in the NFL.
Welschof made a strong impression during the preseason, showcasing his skills with the Steelers. He tied for the second-most sacks in the NFL, registering three sacks over the course of the three preseason games. In addition to his sack totals, he also recorded eight total tackles, highlighting his potential as a pass rusher and contributor on defense.
Unfortunately, Welschof suffered a knee injury in August, which led to his placement on season-ending injured reserve. However, after reaching an injury settlement, he was waived, paving the way for his return to the Steelers later in the season. This allowed the team to bring him back when the opportunity arose.
With Welschof’s signing, the Steelers have now filled all 17 spots on their practice squad. This move ensures they have added depth to their roster and have the flexibility to develop Welschof further as he continues his NFL journey.
