Veteran offensive tackle David Sharpe appeared to be a key addition for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the stretch run of the 2025 regular season. When the team signed Sharpe on December 10, the Steelers were set to enter Week 15 without their top three options at left tackle.
But over the past four weeks, former undrafted free agent Dylan Cook stabilized the quarterback’s blindside. Veteran Andrus Peat also returned, and the Steelers added Jack Driscoll to the active roster.
All of that has now made Sharpe expendable.
On Tuesday, the Steelers announced waiving Sharpe from the practice squad. The move opens up a spot for Pittsburgh’s practice squad in the team’s wild card matchup against the Houston Texans.
In his month with the Steelers, Sharpe didn’t receive any playing time. He appeared in one regular season game for the Los Angeles Chargers during 2025.
Steelers Part Ways With Tackle David Sharpe
It remains unclear what the Steelers will do with Sharpe’s practice squad spot. But releasing the veteran is a clear indication the team is confident in its offensive tackle depth entering the playoffs.
The then Oakland Raiders drafted Sharpe at No. 129 overall in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Sharpe started two games for the Raiders as a rookie and two more in 2019.
Over his nine-year NFL career, Sharpe has appeared in regular season contests for the Raiders, Chargers, Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens, and Carolina Panthers. He last started a game with Washington in 2020.
Sharpe played college football at Florida, where he appeared in 33 contests.
The Steelers added Sharpe after placing starting left tackle Broderick Jones and Calvin Anderson on injured reserve in about a 10-day span.
Steelers Have Open Practice Squad Spot
With Sharpe gone, the question becomes what the Steelers will do with their open practice squad spot. One obvious choice for the opening is cornerback Tre Flowers.
The defensive back was the odd-man out when wide receiver D.K. Metcalf returned from his 2-game suspension Tuesday. The team waived Flowers to create roster space for Metcalf.
Flowers made his Steelers debut versus the Cleveland Browns in Week 17. But with cornerbacks James Pierre and Brandin Echols back Sunday, Flowers was a healthy scratch.
Flowers will have to clear waivers before the Steelers can sign him to the practice squad.
Any player who joins the Pittsburgh practice squad this week could potentially play in the team’s wild card matchup. If the Steelers advance in the postseason, they could also appear in a later postseason contest.
Practice squad players have unlimited elevation options during the NFL playoffs.
The Steelers will host the Texans in the AFC wild card round on Monday Night Football. A pair of streaks will be on the line during the game.
The Steelers have won 23 consecutive home Monday night games. Mike Tomlin’s club did lose on a Monday at home versus Washington during the 2020 COVID-19 season. However, the game kicked off at 5 pm ET, so it wasn’t considered a “night” game.
Entering this year’s postseason, the Steelers have lost six straight playoff contests. Pittsburgh’s last playoff win came just before Donald Trump became U.S. President, the first time, in January 2017.
Steelers Announce Telling Roster Move Before Start of NFL Playoffs