Isaiah Pead Waived by Steelers: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Friday that they waived running back Isaiah Pead and promoted Fitzgerald Toussaint from the practice squad to fill his place on the 53-man roster. 

The Steelers signed Pead on Nov. 2 to account for the ongoing attrition in their backfield after superstar Le’Veon Bell suffered a season-ending knee injury. But he never reached the field for Pittsburgh—even after DeAngelo Williams, the new starter for Bell, weathered setbacks from a foot injury in Week 10.

Pead played three full seasons and the first two games of 2015 with the St. Louis Rams, but he was cut when rookie sensation Todd Gurley returned from a knee injury dating back a season prior.

Given that Pead drew interest after being cut by the Rams, he could find a landing spot as the playoff race heats up. Doug Kyed of NESN noted he tried out earlier this season for the Patriots, who’ve had their share of attrition after Dion Lewis suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Toussaint was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens last year, but he played only four games and rushed for 12 yards on six carries.

The timing and nature of the transaction prompted speculation from Steelers Depot: 

The beleaguered Steelers are miraculously in control of the AFC wild-card race, currently the fifth seed at 6-4. They trail the division-leading Bengals by only two games, with another meeting in Week 14. 

The team clearly feels confident in Toussaint to tote whatever load needed as the playoff chase reaches its climactic stage, which is a huge testament given that the Steelers' identity is rooted in offense.