The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some noise the past two days surrounding their running back position, beginning with the release of LeGarrette Blount on Tuesday.
That led to the promotion for rookie Josh Harris from the practice squad to the active roster and on Wednesday the team filled Harris’ place on the practice squad by signing rookie RB LaDarius Perkins.
The 5’10”, 195 pound Perkins went undrafted out of Mississippi State, where he was a second-team All-SEC in 2013. He initially signed with the Green Bay Packers and didn’t make the team and ended up with the Fall Experimental Football League’s Omaha Mammoths.
Perkins is the second player the Steelers have signed from the FXFL, having signed safety Jordan Dangerfield to their practice squad earlier this month.
While at Mississippi State, Perkins appeared in 50 games where he rushed for 2,554 yards and scored 15 touchdowns on 530 carries. He also was a threat catching the football as he had 68 receptions and 10 touchdowns in college as well. His best season came as a junior in 2012 where he topped the 1,000 yard mark on the ground and found the end zone eight times.
It remains to be seen if the Steelers will stick with Harris on the active roster or go look for a backup with NFL experience, but for now it looks as if that is the plan.
The Steelers have their bye week this week and will return to action Sunday, November 30 when they play host to the New Orleans Saints.
Photo Credit: Associated Press
