The Pittsburgh Steelers announced news of a corresponding cut for a Week 6 roster move that was first reported on October 6.
Running back/returner Raheem Blackshear will officially join the practice squad, following the Monday news of his addition, and he’ll take the place of recent Steelers signing Ja’Whaun Bentley, per the team’s social media account.
Bentley is a veteran linebacker who has spent his entire career with the New England Patriots before briefly signing with Pittsburgh in September.
The hard-hitting interior LB has suited up for 85 career NFL outings, including 2 playoff appearances. He’s accumulated over 510 total tackles and 10-plus sacks, with 2 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles.
Bentley earned a Super Bowl ring as a rookie for his contributions during the 2018-19 season. This was the final championship that ex-Patriots legend Tom Brady won with New England.
Ja’Whaun Bentley Fails to Impress With Steelers, Leading to Roster Cut
When the Steelers first brought in Bentley, some believed he would follow in the footsteps of fellow former Patriots “thumper” Elandon Roberts.
A contingent of Steelers fans has criticized the team for letting Roberts leave in free agency, and Bentley felt like the perfect replacement as an affordable, rotational linebacker with Malik Harrison sidelined.
Unfortunately for Bentley, he must have failed to impress during his two-to-three weeks with the organization.
Heading into Week 6, the Steelers have Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb and rookie Carson Bruener at inside linebacker. They also added Jon Rhattigan to the practice squad in early September, just before Bentley.
Head coach Mike Tomlin must feel that this is sufficient enough depth at inside linebacker, as injuries have begun popping up at other positions on this roster.
Where Do Steelers Rank in AFC Heading Into Week 6?
The Steelers are set up with a golden opportunity to win the AFC North in 2025. All three of their division rivals have suffered starting quarterback injuries — if you include Deshaun Watson in Cleveland — and each is now struggling to get back in the win column without their offensive signal-caller at the helm.
As it currently stands, Pittsburgh leads the division at 3-1 with Cincinnati at 2-3 (started 2-0) and both Baltimore and Cleveland at 1-4. But even if the Steelers come out on top of a weak division based on the circumstances, how good are they really?
Steelers Now writer Derrick Bell answered that question on October 6, specifically discussing if he feels they are a top four team in the conference.
“I will start off by saying that the conference as a whole is by far in the worst state that it’s been since I’ve been covering the team in any capacity,” Bell began. “We know that the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills will be in the mix come January, but everything else feels like a jumbled mess. Coming into the season, I had the Steelers as the seventh seed in the AFC, but at this point, it feels like that would be a pretty disappointing outcome with how wide-open things are.”
“The Baltimore Ravens, who entered 2025 as Super Bowl favorites, have been the most disappointing team in the league to date, which has opened up the division for the taking,” the Pittsburgh writer continued. “I’m expecting the Steelers to handle business the next two weeks, but I want to see them face off with a legitimately good team (ex: the Green Bay Packers on 10/26) before getting ahead of myself. Make no mistake about it, a home playoff game should be the next goal for this team.”
Only the Steelers, Bills, Indianapolis Colts, and Jacksonville Jaguars have one loss in the AFC, but Pittsburgh only has 3 wins because of the early bye.
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