Steelers sign former Villanova LB, waive/injured Chapelle Russell

Joe Rutter
Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023 2:20 p.m. | Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023 2:20 p.m.

Go Ad-Free Today!

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

Steelers linebacker Chapelle Russell takes the ball away from Gunner Olszewski during camp Wednesday Aug. 9, 2023 at Saint Vincent College. Russell was waived/injured Aug. 13 with a knee injury.

Linebacker Forrest Rhyne, a 24-year-old Pennsylvania native who once was offered a scholarship by Robert Morris, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

He takes the roster spot of linebacker Chapelle Russell, who suffered a knee injury Friday night in the preseason opener at Tampa Bay. Russell was waived/injured Sunday.

Rhyne was an undrafted free agent who signed with Indianapolis in 2022 after spending five seasons at Villanova. Coming out of Waynesboro Area High School, Rhyne was recruited by several Division I-FCS schools. Robert Morris was one, but Rhyne chose to go to Villanova and was CAA defensive player of the year as a fifth-year senior.

Rhyne spent most of last season on the Colts’ practice squad but was active for Indianapolis’ game against the Steelers. He was cut by the Colts in May.

Russell spent the 2022 season on the Steelers’ practice squad. He played six snaps on special teams in the preseason opener.