The Steelers made multiple roster moves today, including promoting linebacker Ade Ogundeji from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, placing defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal on the Reserve/Injured List, and elevating linebacker Eku Leota and running back Jonathan Ward from the practice squad to the Active/Inactive Roster for the game.
Ogundeji was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. His rookie season he appeared in 16 games, starting 11 of them. He finished that season with 33 tackles, a sack, a pass defense and a fumble recovery.
In 2022 he started 16 games, finishing with 42 tackles and one sack. He missed the 2023 season with a foot injury.
"I played and started two years, so I know what I'm doing," said Ogundeji. "I'm just trying to go out there and do my job. They expect me to go out there and do my job, just like the guy above me. I'm not going to try to do anything that's crazy. I'm just going to do my job.
"If they ask me to rush the passer, I'm going to rush the passer. If they ask me to stop the run, I'm going to stop the run. Whatever they ask me to do, I'm going to do it.
"I feel like I'm a guy who's steady, consistent. Always attacking the ball. Always making consistent plays in the run game. Always trying to get up the field and rush the passer the best I can. Also doing some different things for special teams.
"I feel like I've had a good overall resume and just trying to improve on it."
After missing the 2023 season injured, Ogundeji knows he has a great opportunity in front of him.
"When you're not playing, there's a different perspective you have when you're watching other people play," said Ogundeji. "I feel like last year when I was able to sit down and really learn. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You don't get this opportunity a lot.
"Whenever I go out there, I'm going to bring it on and I'm going to do the best I can to make sure we win and make sure I do the best I can to produce."
Leota was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Carolina Panthers following the 2023 NFL Draft.
Leota began the 2023 season on the Panthers practice squad before he was signed to the active roster during the season. He appeared in eight games last season, mainly on special teams. He has three defensive tackles, and one quarterback hit.
Leota started in the Panthers Week 2 game against the Los Angeles Chargers this season, recording a sack.
Leota played college football at Auburn, after transferring from Northwestern. He appeared in a total of 36 career games, starting 10 at Auburn and one at Northwestern.
Ward, who was also elevated for the Week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys, took part in the Steelers rookie minicamp on a tryout basis and was signed following it.
In four seasons in the NFL, he has played in 44 games, carrying the ball 19 times for 78 yards, a 4.1-yard average. He also has six receptions for 52 yards, an 8.7-yard average, and one touchdown. Against the Cowboys he had two carries for nine yards.
Ward originally signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent two plus seasons with the Cardinals, before joining the Tennessee Titans during the 2022 season. He also spent the 2023 season with the Titans.
Ward played college football at Central Michigan where he played in 42 games, carrying the ball 473 times for 2,539 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also had 98 receptions for 909 yards and four touchdowns.
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