Steelers Sign Jonathan Ward to Active Roster, Place C.J. Henderson on IR

Steelers Bolster Running Back Depth, Waive Anthony McFarland Jr.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed running back Jonathan Ward to the active roster from the practice squad, the team announced Tuesday. To make room for Ward, the Steelers placed cornerback C.J. Henderson on injured reserve with a quad injury.

Ward's Journey to the Active Roster

Ward, 24, originally joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan in 2021. He spent the entire 2021 season on the practice squad before being released in August 2022. Ward then signed with the Carolina Panthers but was released before the regular season began.

Ward re-signed with the Steelers' practice squad in November and has been impressing the coaching staff with his performance in practice. With injuries to Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and Benny Snell, the Steelers were in need of additional depth at the running back position.

Henderson's Injury and Impact

Henderson, 24, signed with the Steelers as a free agent in March after spending the first three seasons of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was expected to compete for a starting role opposite Ahkello Witherspoon but has been sidelined with a quad injury since training camp.

Placing Henderson on injured reserve ends his season, as players must miss a minimum of four games when placed on IR. The Steelers will now rely heavily on Witherspoon, Levi Wallace, and Cam Sutton at the cornerback position.

McFarland Waived to Make Room for Ward

To make room for Ward on the active roster, the Steelers waived running back Anthony McFarland Jr. McFarland, 23, was a fourth-round pick by the Steelers in 2020. He has struggled to find his footing in Pittsburgh, rushing for just 196 yards and one touchdown in 14 career games.

McFarland's release indicates that the Steelers are confident in the abilities of Ward, Harris, Warren, and Snell to carry the load at running back. It also opens the door for rookie Mataeo Durant to contribute in a larger role.