Steelers Now
Long snapper Jake McQuaide was among the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 11 releases on Friday as the team trims its roster ahead of Tuesday’s cut-down day.
The Steelers added McQuaide, who’s heading into his 15th NFL season, on Monday after Christian Kuntz injured his sternum during last Saturday’s preseason home loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Defensive lineman Logan Lee filled in for the remainder of that contest, long snapping in game action for the first time since high school.
McQuaide’s release signals that Kuntz won’t be sidelined for long with his broken sternum. Kuntz hopes to be available for the Steelers’ regular-season opener against the New York Jets on Sept. 7. Over four campaigns in Pittsburgh, Kuntz has appeared in 68 regular-season contests, including every one a campaign ago.
The Steelers’ other Friday cuts were linebacker Kenny Willekes, offensive linemen Doug Nester and Julian Pearl; quarterback Logan Woodside; running back Evan Hull, tight end Kevin Foelsch, and defensive backs Kam Alexander, Quindell Johnson, Kyler McMichael and Mikey Victor.
McQuaide spent 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, playing in 160 games and earning Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017. He also spent time with the Chicago Bears (practice squad), Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings. McQuaide has 11 total tackles in his career, including seven by himself.
Kuntz played inside linebacker at Duquesne, earning three All-American nods. He graduated as the Northeast Conference’s all-time leader with 30.5 career sacks. His willingness to be physical is part of what makes him such a viable option as a special teamer.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Release Signals Good News on Christian Kuntz
