The Steelers activated running back Jaylen Samuels off the reserve/COVID-19 list. Samuels was placed on the list on Aug. 2.
Samuels is entering his third year with the Steelers after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of North Carolina State. Samuels, who has started seven games in his career, has rushed for 431 yards on 122 carries, a 3.65-yard average and one touchdown. He also added 73 receptions for 504 yards, a 7.1-yard average, and four touchdowns.
On Wednesday, running backs coach Eddie Faulkner was asked about Samuels missing time and said the key was getting him back before the team puts on the pads starting on Monday, Aug. 17.
"Any time missed and any work missed isn't necessarily a good thing. But if you are going to miss some time, it would be in the front end of this where the tempo is down, it is a walk through, meetings and stuff like that," said Faulkner. "I talk to him daily. First of all, my most important concern is his well being. Secondly, to make sure he is up to speed. As far as meetings and what we have talked about and plays going in that day. He does have the advantage of going into his third year so he has done most of these things and everything will resonate with him once he hears it.
"He is just going to have to go out, hit the ground running. COVID has put us in that type of situation where guys have to be willing to show up and show out if they are put into that protocol. I would expect him to do that and I do have confidence once he is here, he will know what he is doing and play fast and react fast to what is going on."
To make room on the roster for Samuels, the team released fullback Spencer Nigh.
The reserve/COVID-19 list was created for a player who either tests positive for COVID-19 or who has been quarantined after having been in close contact with an infected person(s). If a player falls into either of these categories, their club is required to immediately place the player on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Per agreed upon NFL-NFLPA policy, clubs are not permitted to comment on player's medical status other than referring to roster status. Clubs may not disclose whether player is in quarantine or is positive for COVID 19.
