Eric Rowe is on his way back to Pittsburgh. The veteran safety has signed to the Steelers’ practice squad, per a team announcement. 
Almost exactly one year ago, Rowe joined the Steelers en route to playing a key role for the team down the stretch and into the postseason. The 32-year-old recently visited Pittsburgh as a free agent, as noted by KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. He was joined in that regard by Marquise Blair, but to little surprise the Steelers have elected to go with the familiar option.
Rowe started all three of his regular season appearances for Pittsburgh last year, remaining a first-team presence during the team’s wild-card loss. He was not re-signed in the offseason, however, and no agreement was reached with any other suitors on the open market. Having remained a free agent well into the campaign, he will aim to join Pittsburgh’s active roster in short order. The Utah product will be an option for a gameday elevation up to three times, and succeeding in that regard could land him on the active roster.
The Steelers’ defense has been among the league’s best in a number of areas, but there is room for improvement against the pass. Pittsburgh sits 18th in terms of passing yards allowed per game (215), and Rowe could step into at least a depth role in a bid to help in that department. The former second-rounder has recorded six interceptions and 43 pass deflections in 103 games, and some of that ball production came during his brief 2023 period as a Steeler.
Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott have operated as safety starters for Pittsburgh in 2024. Provided they remain healthy, that will likely be the case through the rest of the season. As the 8-2 Steelers look to remain atop the AFC North, they will have an additional option in the secondary for the second half of the campaign.