Pittsburgh Steelers cut ties with 12-year veteran after brief practice squad stint

Mike Moraitis

Pittsburgh Steelers cut ties with 12-year veteran after brief practice squad stint image

Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

We're old enough to remember when veteran wide receiver Robert Woods was expected to have at least some semblance of a role with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

However, Woods failed to make the team's 53-man roster after an uninspiring training camp and preseason. Woods got a second chance in Pittsburgh after he was brought back on the practice squad.

But that stint didn't last long. The Steelers announced on Tuesday that they have released Woods from the practice squad. No corresponding move was made.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Woods requested his release from the team and doesn't want to continue his career if he isn't on a 53-man roster.

"Steelers WR Robert Woods asked for and was granted his release from Steelers practice squad, and a source says he only wants to continue playing if he’s on a 53-man roster and playing," Rapoport wrote. "The Steelers handled the request solidly and understood."

Woods, 33, has been on the decline for a handful of years now and his 2024 season was the worst of his career after he tallied 203 yards and zero touchdowns.

The fact that Woods couldn't stick on the practice squad of a team that has several concerns at wide receiver is telling.

It could be a sign that Woods has hit the end of the road in the NFL.

MORE PITTSBURGH STEELERS NEWS

Data shows Steelers fans are set to invade MetLife Stadium for Jets game

Kaleb Johnson's Week 1 role revealed on Steelers' first depth chart

Pittsburgh Steelers' sophomore starter predicted to take next step in 2025

Cam Heyward has 2-word answer about status for Steelers opener

Pittsburgh Steelers land one top-10 placement in NFL power rankings

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis is a freelance writer who covers the NFL for the Sporting News. Over his nearly two decades covering sports, Mike has also worked for Bleacher Report, USA TODAY and FanSided. He hates writing in the third person.