Much to the delight of many Pittsburgh Steelers’ fans, the team has signed Tuzar Skipper to the 53-man roster.
We have re-signed LB Tuzar Skipper and placed DE L.T. Walton on the Reserve/Injured List.@BordasLaw TRANSACTION: https://t.co/64HVcZo4vR pic.twitter.com/jt4KImGUbP
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 19, 2019
Undrafted out of the University of Toledo, Skipper was not initially signed as a free agent following the 2019 draft. Earning an invite to Latrobe based on a tryout at the Steelers rookie mini camp, Skipper impressed both fans and coaches throughout the preseason.
During the preseason for the Steelers, Skipper had five sacks, two of which were also forced fumbles. A complete breakdown of Skippers preseason sacks can be seen HERE.
After making the Steelers initial 53 man roster, Skipper was waived just before the Week 1 game against the New England Patriots in favor of wide receiver Johnny Holton. While many believe the Steelers had hoped to get Skipper onto the practice squad, he was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants.
Skipper was active for the next six games for the Giants where he had two tackles, 0.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and was also credited with one quarterback hit. Skipper was waived by the Giants following their Week 7 game, but went unclaimed by any other NFL team. Skipper then was signed to the Giants practice squad where he had remained until the Steelers signed him to their 53-man roster. Since Skipper was signed off of another team’s practice squad, he must receive at least three weeks’ salary from the Steelers.
In order to sign Skipper to the 53-man roster, the Steelers moved defensive tackle L.T. Walton to the Reserve/Injured List. In Tuesday’s press conference, head coach Mike Tomlin said Walton was dealing with a meniscus issue in his knee which required surgery.
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