The Steelers activated receiver James Washington off the reserve/COVID-19 list. Washington was placed on the list on Aug. 2.
Washington is entering his third season with the Steelers after being selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State. He has 60 receptions for 952 yards and four touchdowns in two seasons, including 44 catches for 735 yards and three touchdowns in 2019.
Washington talked this offseason about his excitement to work with new receivers coach Ike Hilliard, whose approach to the game is something that has sat well with the young receiver right off the bat.
"He seems like a family man first, and then a football coach," said Washington. "I feel like he really cares about the player. He wants the best for us. He isn't just there for the job. He wants to make sure we are good men and good players. For a coach to say he cares about you more as a person than as a player, that is a check mark right there in my book."
To make room on the roster for Washington, the team released linebacker John Houston, an undrafted rookie free agent from USC who was signed after the 2020 NFL Draft.
The reserve/COVID-19 list was created for a player who either tests positive for COVID-19 or who has been quarantined after having been in close contact with an infected person(s). If a player falls into either of these categories, their club is required to immediately place the player on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Per agreed upon NFL-NFLPA policy, clubs are not permitted to comment on player's medical status other than referring to roster status. Clubs may not disclose whether player is in quarantine or is positive for COVID 19.
