Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed wide receiver Max Hurleman to their practice squad, the team announced on Wednesday.
Hurleman, 23, joined the Steelers in May after trying out for the team during rookie minicamp, and he impressed during the preseason, recording three catches for 33 yards and a touchdown while also displaying his eye-popping athleticism during a celebration.
However, it became increasingly clear that he wasn’t going to make Pittsburgh’s 53-man roster in a crowded wide receiver room that also includes DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek.
Hurleman started out his collegiate journey as a running back at Colgate. With the Raiders, he played in 35 games and made 23 starts over four seasons.
He was the starting running back in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, rushing 92 times for 346 yards and one touchdown in 2021 and 83 times for 397 yards in 2022. He was also a prolific receiver, catching 30 passes for 281 yards in 2021 and 20 for 239 yards and one touchdown in 2022.
In 2023, Hurleman moved to wide receiver, but did not see as much playing time, catching 28 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns as a redshirt junior.
Hurleman then transferred to Notre Dame as a cornerback for the 2024 season. He played just three snaps of defense for the Fighting Irish.
No matter what position he is listed to play, Hurleman’s major contributions have come on special teams. He returned 23 punts for Notre Dame last season for 138 yards. He also returned punts and kicks for Colgate in his time with the Raiders.
At Notre Dame, Hurleman was a four-phase special teamer, playing on kickoff return, kick coverage, punt return and punt coverage units. In addition to his returns, he had four special teams tackles in 2024.
Players on the practice squad are free to sign with other teams at any time. The Steelers have a maximum of 17 slots on their practice squad, which is usually filled by a combination of players the team released and cuts from other squads.
MORE: Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 Practice Squad Signings Tracker
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Re-Sign Under-the-Radar WR
