Steelers bring back their former DB, release WR from practice squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy making practice squad moves ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens — bringing back a familiar defensive back while also releasing a wide receiver to make room.

On Tuesday, the Steelers announced the practice squad signing of DB Daequan Hardy — a homegrown Yinzer through and through, now on his second stint with Pittsburgh. WR Cornell Powell was released to clear a spot for Hardy.

Selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 219th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Hardy was released as a part of final roster cuts during his rookie year but signed to the practice squad one day later. He signed a reserve/future contract with Buffalo in January 2025 but was once again released as a part of final roster cuts in August 2025.

Yet to make his NFL debut, Hardy is now one of three defensive backs on the Steelers' practice squad, joining D'Shawn Jamison and Daryl Porter.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers sign Daequan Hardy, release Cornell Powell ahead of Week 14