Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have released running back and kickoff returner Raheem Blackshear from their practice squad, the team announced on Tuesday.
Blackshear, 27, signed with the Steelers on Oct. 6. He spent three weeks on the team’s practice squad without being elevated or appearing in a game. The Steelers signed Blackshear amid issues with their kick return game, but Kenneth Gainwell and rookie wide receiver Ke’Shawn Williams have solidified their roles over the last few weeks.
Blackshear spent the first three seasons of his career with the Carolina Panthers, but was released by the Panthers this August after a preseason injury. He spent one week on the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad in late September before signing with the Steelers.
In his career, Blackshear has been mostly used as a kickoff returner, bringing back 66 kicks for 1,734 yards and a 26.3 yards per return average over three seasons with Carolina. On the ground, Blackshear has 52 carries for 203 yards — a 3.9 yards per carry average. He’s also caught 16 of 19 targets for 138 yards and scored three total touchdowns.
The 5-foot-9, 194-pound running back was considered undersized but explosive coming out of Virginia Tech. He ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash in the pre-draft process, but still went undrafted. He first signed with the Buffalo Bills before being released and catching on with the Panthers.
In addition to Blackshear, the Steelers also released linebacker Jacoby Windmon, leaving them with three slots open on their 17-man practice squad. They did not announce any corresponding transactions.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Cut Ties with Speedy Running Back
