Pittsburgh Steelers Release Running Back Jonathan Ward

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released running back Jonathan Ward, who spent the 2024 season with the team appearing in four games primarily on special teams and rushing five times for 22 yards. Ward, an undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan in 2020, has had stints with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans before joining the Steelers in May 2024. His release comes amid the Steelers strengthening their running back room with the addition of veteran Kenneth Gainwell and rookie Kaleb Johnson, pushing Ward down the depth chart. Despite showing potential and special teams value, Ward was unable to secure a permanent spot on the 53-man roster and spent significant time on the practice squad. The Steelers now have two open roster spots to fill before training camp begins. Ward, 27, is expected to enter the open market with training camps starting soon.