The Steelers have released Chris Oladokun and Genard Avery in their latest round of roster cuts.
WR Christian Blake, RB Mataeo Durant and K Nick Sciba were among the rest of the cuts as NFL teams had to trim their rosters to 80 players by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Oladokun, 24, was selected 241st overall by the Steelers in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. While Mike Tomlin has kept Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph in a steady rotation for reps throughout OTAs, minicamp and training camp, Oladokun seldom saw any reps during team drills. In addition, he was never in the game plan for either of the first two preseason games.
The move helps provide some clarity with the quarterback position. Rudolph has been the center of trade rumors, but Oladokun's release may suggest the Steelers do not have plans to part with him. Of course, the window for him to return as a member of the practice squad is not yet closed. In fact, it's rather likely.
The release of Avery is perhaps more surprising than Oladokun. With the emergence of Jaylen Warren and a strong performance in camp by Anthony McFarland, outside linebacker might now be the thinnest position on the roster.
Of course, T.J. Watt is the best player on the team, but Alex Highsmith has missed a couple weeks now with a rib injury. The release of Avery makes the position even more thin than it was before. Derrek Tuszka, Delontae Scott, Hamilcar Rashed Jr. and James Vaughters are now the current group behind Watt and Highsmith.
However, there is still a chance that Avery or perhaps Durant return as members of the practice squad.
The final cut down to 53 players is Aug. 30.
