Typically in a training camp situation, when the Steelers line up to field kickoffs and punts, they have as many as five players lining up to return the ball.
But earlier this week, when they worked on punt returns at training camp at Heinz Field, the Steelers had just three players back to field kicks, Diontae Johnson, Ryan Switzer and defensive back James Pierre.
Thursday, the team reportedly added to that number.
According to the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Steelers are signings former Bills and Panthers return man Ray-Ray McCloud.
The #Steelers are signing WR Ray-Ray McCloud, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 20, 2020
The Steelers will have to make a corresponding roster move to make room for McCloud on their 80-man roster, but they are carrying just eight wide receivers, which seems a bit light compared to most years.
Teams can keep 53 players on their active roster, which can increase to 55 players on game day, with a 16-man practice squad. The Steelers typically keep six receivers on their active roster and with the increased practice squad, it would make sense to keep two wide receivers, meaning before signing McCloud the eight receivers on the roster would all have a good chance of making the roster in some form or fashion.
McCloud, 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, would give the Steelers another player with return capabilities.
In two NFL seasons, the former Clemson product has caught five passes for 36 yards and run the ball twice for four yards. As a return man, he's averaged 7.3 yards on 14 punt returns and 21.3 yards on nine kickoff returns.
McCloud was one of four players the Steelers worked out on Thursday, the first day the players have been off since the NFL eased restrictions on holding in-person workouts for potential free agents.
He joins safety Curtis Riley and running back Wendell Smallwood as the third veteran player signed by the team since it opened training camp at Heinz Field late last month.
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