With running back Le’Veon Bell set to end his two-game suspension for this Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams, it’s been known that the Steelers would have to cut ties with a player in order to add their star rusher to the lineup.
Today, that player was revealed to be wide receiver Tyler Murphy. Murphy, an undrafted rookie, had caught one pass for 16 yards in the season opener at New England. It was the only time he was targeted with a pass over the first two games.
Murphy, 23, played quarterback at Boston College, and it was thought that he could provide a multi-threat look for the Steelers with abilities as a passer and as a receiver, but he has worked almost exclusively at wide receiver in his time with the team.
The move will leave the Steelers with a crowded backfield, as Bell will join running backs DeAngelo Williams, Jordan Todman and Dri Archer and fullbacks Will Johnson and Roosevelt Nix.
Meanwhile, the Steelers will now carry only four wide receivers with Martavis Bryant suspended: Antonio Brown, Sammie Coates, Markus Wheaton and Darrius Heyward-Bey. Murphy is eligible to join the practice squad if he clears waivers.
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