Steelers Bring Back Former West Virginia Standout
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reinforcing a position that has quickly become a concern. After a hard-fought win over the Baltimore Ravens that was overshadowed by a wave of injuries, the team has been forced to shuffle its depth chart—promoting backups, adjusting the practice squad, and adding new faces.
With their offensive tackle group stretched thin and a potential playoff run looming, the Steelers have made a move to bolster the unit. Broderick Jones and Calvin Anderson remain on injured reserve with neck and knee issues, while Andrus Peat entered concussion protocol following the Ravens game. To help stabilize the line, the team has re-signed Doug Nester, a former practice squad lineman.
Injuries Keep Mounting
Currently, only two tackles on the active roster—Dylan Cook and first-round rookie Troy Fautanu—are fully healthy. The Steelers needed additional depth, turning back to Nester, who spent the entire 2024 season on their practice squad. Other potential tackle options on the practice squad include Steven Jones, Jack Driscoll, and Spencer Anderson.
Nester originally joined Pittsburgh after being released by the Minnesota Vikings, who signed him as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nester’s Path to the NFL
He entered the league after a college career that began with two seasons at Virginia Tech before transferring to West Virginia, where he finished his final three years. In his senior season, Nester started 11 of 12 games and didn’t allow a single sack across 660 offensive snaps.
He’s also one of two offensive linemen from West Virginia’s 2023 roster now with the Steelers—the other being center Zach Frazier, drafted in the second round in 2024.
Although Nester has yet to appear in an NFL game, Pittsburgh’s growing list of injuries could put him on the field sooner than expected.
No Comment! Be the first one.