Steelers sign RB Ralph Webb to their practice squad

When the Pittsburgh Steelers announced a series of roster moves on Tuesday morning, the observant among you should have noticed that the team still had a place on their practice squad to fill. By Tuesday afternoon, that slot had been taken by running back Ralph Webb.

After Trey Edmunds was promoted to the active roster earlier in the day, it is perhaps no surprise to see the Steelers have opted to replace him with another running back. Originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in May, Webb was released in the final round of cuts in September before being signed to their practice squad. Let go by New England in October, the former Vanderbilt running back was signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad in November before being released on Monday.

In four season at Vanderbilt, Webb rushed for a total of 4,178 yards, scoring 32 touchdowns and ending his career with the Commodores as the team’s all-time leading rusher. He also added 68 receptions for 572 yards and three touchdowns in the 49 games he appeared in. While he was commended for his work ethic and durability by scouts, his pre-draft evaluations suggest he might struggle at the professional level.

Given his limited experience in the Patriots system, he is unlikely to be able to offer Pittsburgh any insights that could help them during their game in Week 15, but that is unlikely to stop New England fans from believing that is why the Steelers signed him.