Steelers Gameday•Steelers News
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Doneiko Slaughter at training camp on Aug. 3, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed Doneiko Slaughter from their practice squad to the 53-man roster ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Cleveland Browns. Slaughter was elevated for the first three games, which is the maximum, so the Steelers had to sign him to the 53-man roster.
Slaughter has appeared in 15 snaps over the Steelers’ first three games, all on the club’s punt return units. He recorded two tackles in Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Steelers signed Slaughter to a reserve/future contract in January. He was waived in the final round of roster cuts in August and was re-signed to the practice squad.
In three preseason games, he had 10 tackles and one pass defended, while playing an elevated role thanks to injuries to Porter, Jalen Ramsey, Brandin Echols and Donte Kent.
Slaughter played both inside and outside cornerback for the Steelers this preseason, and also worked on multiple phases of special teams: kickoff coverage, punt coverage, punt return and field goal block.
Asante Samuel Jr., Daylen Everette, Ramsey and Echols would all likely play at cornerback ahead of Slaughter.
The 24-year-old spent his first NFL offseason with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but was released last September and spent all of last season out of football.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Doneiko Slaughter and Devan Boykin at practice on August. 25, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
A 6-foot, 190-pound native of Atlanta, Georgia, Slaughter played collegiately at Tennessee (2020-23) and Arkansas (2024).
Slaughter grew his role over his four years at Tennessee. He started one game and totaled eight tackles as a freshman, recorded 16 tackles in 11 games in 2021, and finally earned a starting role in 2022, making two starts as a safety and five starts as a cornerback during the course of 12 games.
During his final two seasons at Tennessee, Slaughter racked up 63 tackles, one sack, one interception and seven passes defensed.
In 2024, Slaughter used the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic by enrolling at the University of Arkansas. He played as a starting defensive back in 13 games, registering 78 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one interception and six passes defensed.
Aaron Becker contributed.
Mentioned In This Article:Cleveland Browns Doneiko Slaughter Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers Steelers News