Pittsburgh Steelers sign former Penn State, XFL RB John Lovett
The Steelers obviously like what they saw from John Lovett, the former XFL running back who played a season at Penn State.
Pittsburgh brought Lovett in for a tryout over the weekend. He played for the XFL’s Vegas Vipers. Former Steeler great Rod Woodson coached the Vipers.
Finding a running back became an immediate priority after Alfonzo Graham was lost for the season because of a torn labrum.
John Lovett wasn’t drafted in 2022 after he finished his eligibility with Penn State. He transferred to the Nittany Lions after playing three seasons for the Memphis Tigers.
Lovett ran for 1,803 yards and 17 touchdowns and averaged 5.1 yards a carry while playing for Memphis. In his lone season with Penn State (2021), he rushed for 177 yards on 52 carries for a 3.4 per carry average. His career best in college was the 128 yards he gained against Texas Tech while playing for Memphis.
On Monday, Alfonzo Graham announced his own injury. The Steelers invited Graham in for a tryout during their post-draft rookie camp in the spring. Then after he signs, Graham suffered a shoulder injury during the first week of training camp.
Steelers signed John Lovett and they may be looking for a fullback
Graham shared on Twitter:
“When you come out of a storm you won’t be the same person you walked in …Suffered a Torn labrum in my shoulder I promise the Comeback will be Amazing. The talent I have is amazing. God just wasn’t ready for the world see yet, See y’all in 2024. Stay prayed up.”
The Steelers aren’t trying to shake up their running game by signing John Lovett. Rather, they’re looking to fill holes on the depth chart. Najee Harris is the team’s main running back. He’s gained 2,234 yards in the past two seasons.
Meanwhile, Lovett was hoping to get another look by an NFL team. The Panthers signed him last year as an undrafted free agent. Lovett led all Panthers rushers and receivers during the preseason. But Carolina cut him. He spent parts of the season on the Panthers practice squad.
The Steelers also have an open spot following Monday’s retirement announcement of rookie Monte Pottebaum, the only fullback on the roster. Tight end Connor Heyward took a few snaps at fullback.
Pittsburgh returns to the practice fields on Tuesday for the Steelers first day in pads.