The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing back a familiar face to their practice squad, re-signing running back Trey Sermon as they continue to shuffle depth and keep options open heading into the final stretch of the season.
Sermon, 26, has had one of those winding NFL journeys that’s become increasingly common for mid-round running backs in today’s league. Originally a third-round pick by the 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Sermon came into the league with high expectations after a strong college career.
But the NFL transition wasn’t smooth. He didn’t make it through his rookie preseason with San Francisco, getting cut before Week 1.
The Eagles scooped him up, hoping to tap into his potential, but injuries and roster crunches kept him from gaining traction there as well.
After Philadelphia waived him off injured reserve with a settlement, Sermon landed with the Colts. He started on their practice squad and eventually worked his way onto the active roster, showing enough to earn a one-year deal heading into the next season.
But again, opportunity proved elusive. The Colts moved on, and Sermon found himself in Pittsburgh, where he’s been bouncing on and off the practice squad throughout this season.
This latest move marks another chapter in his Steelers stint. While he’s appeared in four games for Pittsburgh in 2025, he hasn’t registered any stats - a reminder of how tough it is to break through in a crowded backfield, especially when reps are limited and competition is fierce.
Still, the Steelers clearly see value in keeping Sermon around. He brings experience, familiarity with the system, and the kind of versatility that coaches appreciate in a depth piece. He’s not just a body - he’s a potential plug-and-play option if injuries hit or if Pittsburgh wants to shake things up in the run game.
With Sermon back in the fold, the Steelers’ practice squad now features a mix of developmental talent and veteran insurance across all positions:
- DB D’Shawn Jamison
- DB Daryl Porter
- DL Kyler Baugh
- LB Julius Welschof (International)
- OL Steven Jones
- RB Lew Nichols
- WR Max Hurleman
- TE Matt Sokol
- OL Jack Driscoll
- LB DeMarvin Leal
- QB John Rhys Plumlee
- DE Anthony Goodlow
- DB Daequan Hardy
- LB Kana’i Mauga
- T David Sharpe
- G Doug Nester
- RB Trey Sermon
It’s a group that reflects Pittsburgh’s approach to roster building - a blend of youth, upside, and players with just enough NFL experience to be ready if called upon.
For Sermon, the journey continues. And while the stat sheet may be empty so far this season, the door remains open. In a league where running back depth can be tested in a heartbeat, staying ready is half the battle.