Pittsburgh Steelers claim Ryan McCollum off waivers, make corresponding move

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On3 image — Kevin Abele | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Tuesday that they claimed former Texas A&M offensive lineman Ryan McCollum off waivers from the Detroit Lions. In a corresponding move, the team waived former Wake Forest offensive lineman Nate Gilliam.

Both players are listed at center, leading the team to avoid a roster jam as cuts continue throughout the preseason.

After becoming a team captain at Texas A&M, Ryan McCollum entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans. After beginning with the practice squad, the Lions claimed the rookie and pit him on the active roster. He made 13 appearances with one start in 2021.

Now on his third NFL team, McCollum will look to make an impact on the revamped offensive line which has seen massive turnover in recent seasons as veterans move on or retire, giving way to young talent and veteran acquisitions.

Kenny Pickett takes first-team reps at practice

As the Steelers preseason preparations continue, Kenny Pickett was given another huge opportunity to fight for the starting job while Mitch Trubisky was given a small break. Officially, Trubisky was rested instead of participating in the hurry-up offense drill according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Whatever the reason is, the door was opened for Pickett to show his talent again. He successfully led his team down the field during the drill, including a big completion to fellow rookie George Pickens — before stalling out in the red zone and failing to score a touchdown.

The practice was a big day all around for Pickett as he took most of his reps with the second team ahead of Mason Rudolph, indicating that he could be closing in on the starting quarterback position. According to the Steelers, Pickett’s promotion is part of their planned process to develop the young star out of Pitt.

Pickett threw for 13-of-15 completions for 95 yards and two touchdowns in his NFL debut, leading many to believe his reps with the second team were a promotion because of his success.