Ja'Whaun Bentley: Everything you need to know

The Steelers signed Bentley to the practice squad Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Bentley was limited to just two regular-season games for the Patriots in 2024 due to a pectoral injury, and he was cut by New England in late March with a failed physical designation. He appears to be fully healthy, and his addition to the Steelers is good timing for a defense that is dealing with injuries to Derrick Harmon (knee), Alex Highsmith (ankle) and Isaiahh Loudermilk (ankle). Given the Steelers' injuries on defense, Bentley is a candidate to be elevated to the active roster for Pittsburgh's Week 3 clash against his former team, the Patriots, on Sunday.

The Patriots released Bentley (pectoral) on Friday with a failed physical designation, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Bentley stated mid-March that he has received full medical clearance after missing most of the 2024 campaign due to a pectoral tear suffered Week 2, but being released with a failed physical designation is an indication that the veteran linebacker isn't back to full health yet. Now a free agent, Bentley may have to wait until he's able to demonstrate a readiness to return to on-field activities before finding his next landing spot.

Bentley (pectoral) announced Friday via his personal social media account that he is being released by the Patriots. Bentley missed all but the first two games of the 2024 campaign due to a torn left pectoral muscle, though per Mike Reiss of ESPN, the veteran linebacker announced mid-March at a season-ticket member event that he has received full clearance. In three straight seasons from 2021-23, Bentley surpassed 100 total tackles and held down a consistent starting role for the Patriots. The 28-year-old will now work to find a new opportunity elsewhere in the league, ideally in a defensive scheme that can utilize his abilities as a run-stuffer.