Steelers sign center Ryan McCollum to practice squad

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ryan mccollum steelers — Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Steelers made roster moves, Wednesday, adding Ryan McCollum back to their practice squad.

If you remember, McCollum, a center, spent all of last season on Pittsburgh’s practice squad. He signed another future’s contract with the team earlier this year. Coach Mike Tomlin waived him on the cut to 53 in late August. And now he’s back two weeks later.

McCollum started for four years for Texas A&M. Although he was undrafted, he was able to sign with the Houston Texans. McCollum grew up in Spring, a Houston suburb. And now he’s in Steel City.

Between the Texans and Steelers, McCollum spent some time in Detroit, playing for former Aggie standout Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Lions. He appeared in 13 games, with one start, while in Detroit.

The Steelers worked out nine players earlier this week for a couple of open roster spots created when the team cut cornerback Luq Barcoo and running back Greg Bell. They added receiver Jacob Copeland from the tryout after Diontae Johnson strained his hamstring in a loss to the 49ers.

49ers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave poses with Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and linebacker T.J. Watt after Sunday’s game. Heyward needs surgery after injuring his groin. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

McCollum probably won’t be moved to the active roster. But he’ll give the Steelers depth as they fill spots for Chuks Okorafor and James Daniels. His natural position is center, but Pittsburgh also has used him at both guard spots.

The Steelers were in a miserable spot after their season opener. Pittsburgh lost, 30-7, to the 49ers at home. Plus, they lost defensive tackle Cameron Heyward for possibly two months. NFL tackles are worth their weight in gold. And Heyward is one of the best in the league. The tackle injured his groin in the second quarter of the loss. Now, he’ll need surgery for the injury to heal.

“Cam is out. I don’t have a lot of details in terms of scheduling, in terms of his surgery or what that might look like,” Tomlin said during his presser. “I’ll give you an update on the other side of the surgery when we get a complete totality of time and what it is. … Obviously, losing Cam is significant. But that’s what team is about. Replacing Cam is not a one-man job, it is a multiple-man job and a coach’s job.”