The Steelers made several roster moves on Friday, activating both Paxton Lynch and Trey Edmunds from the practice squad.
With Mason Rudolph suffering a concussion against the Ravens last Sunday, the Steelers needed to fortify the quarterback spot. At running back, Jaylen Samuels had a scope on his knee earlier this week and could miss up to a month.
Lynch was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the 26th pick overall. Lynch played in five games with four starts and was waived shortly after making the initial 53-man roster in 2018.
He didn't play in the 2018 season and signed a futures contract with Seattle after the season. The Seahawks waived him this year when they had to get down to the 53-man roster.
For his career Lynch has completed 79 of 128 passes for 792 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions.
Playing for the Steelers is a dream come true for Lynch. Lynch, who has family in Gallitzin, Pa, would come to the area each summer and while it was all about visiting family, there was something special they always did.
"I was a big Steelers fan when I was younger," said Lynch. "My dad's mom (Irene) lived in Pennsylvania so we would come for family reunions in the summer. We would come to Steelers training camp. We would hang out after practice and get autographs from the guys. I grew up a big Steelers fan. As a kid you dream about playing in the NFL for your favorite team, and this is my favorite team. It's a great opportunity to be here. The organization has been a pleasure so far."
Edmunds has been on the practice squad since the beginning of the season. He spent 12 weeks on the team's practice squad in 2018, before being added to the 53-man roster on Dec. 4. He played in four games last year, but finished the season without a carry, seeing action mostly on special teams.
"I definitely feel like I can go in and keep this thing moving," said Edmunds. "Coach (Mike) Tomlin always says it's a next man up game. He doesn't ever want to see productivity decrease. It's my job to stay ready and always be ready for the position. There are always things to learn, so I can always improve. But I am ready.'
Edmunds, the brother of safety Terrell Edmunds, originally signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2017. He played in 16 games that season and had nine carries for 48 yards and a touchdown.
He was released by the Saints prior to the 2018 season and signed to the Steelers practice squad two days later.
To make room for Lynch and Edmunds on the roster the team released linebacker Jayrone Elliott and guard Fred Johnson.
