Steelers releasing Cordarrelle Patterson just days into training camp
PITTSBURGH — After drafting Kaleb Johnson and signing Kenneth Gainwell in free agency, the Steelers have released running back Cordarrelle Patterson, a former Pro Bowl kick returner.
Patterson announced his own release on social media, noting it happened on his day off.
Patterson, 34, was signed last season in free agency — his sixth NFL team — and appeared in 13 games, rushing 32 times for 135 yards.
He was signed by the Steelers one day after the league adopted a change in the kickoff rules because they were hoping he could provide the skills that saw him return eight kickoffs for touchdown and be named first-team All-Pro four times in his career.
However, he returned just 11 kicks last season, none longer than 33 yards. Patterson has battled injuries that affected his playing condition and became expendable when the team added Johnson and Gainwell to the roster.
The Steelers begin padded practices for training camp Tuesday, and the competition for reps at running back and returner just got slimmer.
