Ke'Shawn Williams Injury News & Updates

Williams is in concussion protocol and has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against Cincinnati, Steelers Senior Director of Communication Burt Lauten reports.

Williams returned the opening kickoff for 20 yards but was ruled out before the start of the second quarter. His absence will primarily affect the Steelers' special-teams unit, as Williams has been working as one of the club's top kick and punt returners. D'Shawn Jamison has replaced Williams in the return game.

The Steelers signed Williams from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday.

Williams joined the Steelers' practice squad in late August after failing to make the team's 53-man roster at the end of training camp. Though he hasn't been elevated this season, the undrafted rookie out of Indiana could make his NFL regular-season debut against the Browns on Sunday due to the absence of Calvin Austin (shoulder). Austin's absence opens the door for Williams to serve on special teams as a returner on kickoffs and punts.

Williams signed with Pittsburgh's practice squad Wednesday.

Williams went unclaimed after being waived Tuesday and is back with the Steelers organization despite failing to make the 53-man roster. The rookie receiver out of Indiana was among the team's final cuts and could be looked upon to fill in if injuries strike Pittsburgh's receiving corps.

Williams was waived Tuesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Williams failed to make Pittsburgh's initial 53-man roster despite a productive preseason. The rookie out of Indiana is expected to pass through waivers unclaimed but may subsequently land on Pittsburgh's practice squad.

Williams secured both of his targets for 55 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 31-25 preseason win over Jacksonville.

Williams has impressed during camp while working solely with the second and third units, and he led the team in receiving yards Saturday while finding the end zone late in the fourth quarter. Roc Taylor has drawn plenty of attention during camp due to his size and physicality, but Williams has played on the inside and outside during camp while making solid catches regularly, and he showcased his potential late in Saturday's preseason opener. The 23-year-old isn't guaranteed a spot on the Steelers' 53-man roster to begin the regular season, but if he continues to make am impact during camp and preseason play, he could also make a case for some playing time at some point during the 2025 campaign since the Steelers don't have many receivers with established roles behind DK Metcalf.