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Ryan Anderson, former Alabama LB, signs with new NFL team
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Ryan Anderson has a new home in the NFL, as the former Alabama linebacker this week signed a practice-squad deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The news was first reported by The Athletic’s Ben Standig, who notes that the move was made in response to T.J. Watt’s injury that will see him inactive for at least the next 4 weeks.
Anderson, who has played 52 games and started 4 in his career, was a 2nd-round pick by the Washington Commanders (then Redskins) in the 2017 NFL Draft, and remained with the organization through the 2020 season. He then signed with the New York Giants in March 2021, but was released that August after being handed a 6-game suspension for violation of the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy. He remained a free agent until Tuesday, when he joined the Steelers’ practice squad.
The Steelers host the New England Patriots on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.