Steelers waive rookie after he refuses to sign IR paperwork over pay cut concerns, ahead of the 2nd preseason game

Pittsburgh’s preseason took an abrupt detour when an internal roster dispute surfaced just days before the team’s second exhibition outing. What was meant to be a routine injury designation quickly escalated into a parting of ways between a rookie and the front office.

The conflict centered on the injured reserve (IR) designation — a standard move to protect roster spots and give injured players recovery time. This time, however, the process stopped cold when the rookie declined to sign.

At the center of the issue was DJ Thomas-Jones, a fullback from South Alabama who played 36 career games, recorded 69 receptions for 610 yards and 11 touchdowns, and began his college career at Ole Miss before transferring.

General manager Omar Khan addressed the decision directly: “If you won’t sign the IR papers, you’re telling me you’d rather gamble with your health for short-term pay — and that’s not how we build sustainable success in Pittsburgh.”

Thomas-Jones, signed as an undrafted free agent in 2025, was expected to contribute at fullback and on special teams. An injury in camp kept him out of the preseason opener and multiple practices leading up to it.

By refusing the IR designation, Thomas-Jones not only risked aggravating his injury but also removed himself from contention for a roster spot in an already competitive backfield.

Fan reactions were mixed — some admired his determination to compete, while others called the move a costly miscalculation that ended his Steelers shot before it began.

On August 15, Pittsburgh officially waived Thomas-Jones, closing the chapter on his brief time with the team and making him a free agent before he ever took a snap in black and gold.