Pittsburgh Steelers release RB Anthony McFarland Jr.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made an adjustment to their roster days before their huge matchup against AFC North rival the Cincinnati Bengals. According to the team’s social media account, the Steelers have released running back Anthony McFarland Jr.

This season, McFarland has played in just three games for Pittsburgh and failed to register a single rushing attempt. However, the former Maryland Terrapins running back was on the receiving end of two targets, making both catches for 11 yards. McFarlane has spent the majority of the 2023-2024 season inactive after spending a decent amount of time on the franchise’s Reserve/Injured list.

McFarland the past spent the entirety of his NFL career in Pittsburgh after being drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In his four years with the franchise, he has played in a total of 17 games, recording 42 carries for 146 yards. McFarland also has eleven career receptions for 87 yards.

Steelers’ Cam Heyward out of concussion protocol

Great news came out of Pittsburgh on Thursday morning with Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward being officially cleared for the team’s divisional matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals this Saturday.

Steelers Senior Director of Communications Burt Lauten announced Thursday that Heyward is no longer in the concussion protocol and has been cleared by an independent neurological consultant.

Heyward suffered a concussion in the Steelers’ Week 15 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts last Saturday, but played the entirety of the contest, with symptoms likely arising following the game. He was a full participant at the Steelers’ practice on Wednesday after being a limited participant on Tuesday.

Heyward also missed time this season after suffering a groin injury, which landed him on the injured reserve. He’s made seven-game appearances for the Steelers this season in the midst of his 13th NFL season (all with Pittsburgh). His year has been a little quiet statistically recording just 30 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks, but there’s no denying his impact as the anchor of the Steelers’ defensive line.

The three-time First-Team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler has become a staple of Pittsburgh’s defense, with the team potentially needing him in the lineup now more than ever.

The stakes are surely high for Saturday’s game, as Heyward and the Steelers will host Cincinnati at 4:30 p.m. ET.

On3’s Kaiden Smith contributed to this article.