Starting tight end Vance McDonald was in a sling Tuesday after he injured his shoulder and could not finish the Steelers’ game against the 49ers on Sunday. With his availability for the Monday night game against the Bengals in doubt, the Steelers are working out tight ends who can add depth to a position that could use some reinforcements.
In the meantime, veteran backup Xavier Grimble is preparing for an expanded role. He stepped in Sunday and played 38 snaps against the 49ers after McDonald was injured. He caught only one pass for 3 yards, but he’s hopeful he can contribute more.
“It’s exciting,” Grimble said on the possibility of an expanded role. “I hate that Vance is down. We need him. We need everyone here. If someone is down, someone else has to step in and help us get a win. That’s what I’ll do.”
McDonald’s injury history has always been a concern for the Steelers. He’s never played a full 16-game season. Last season was his best in terms of staying healthy; he missed only one game and made 14 starts.
But previously, it was a struggle for him to remain healthy. McDonald missed five games or more in three of his first six seasons, including eight games in 2014.
“At this point, I kind of get ready and prepare the same way,” Grimble said. “I just try to work on my preparation. I don’t get more hyper about it. I prepare. When my number is called, I go out and do the job.”
Former Notre Dame tight end Alize Mack worked out for the Steelers on Tuesday and was signed to the practice squad. The Saints selected Mack in the seventh round of the draft in the spring. He failed to make the 53-man roster and was signed to their practice squad. He was released last Thursday and became a free agent.
The Steelers had their eye on Mack in the lead-up to the draft. He came to the Steelers’ facility for a top 30 meeting, but they drafted Zach Gentry instead in the fifth round.
Gentry played in his first NFL game against the 49ers, getting 10 offensive snaps.
“It was good to get some experience out there,” Gentry said. “I felt comfortable. I wasn’t too nervous. It was good to get the experience.”
NOTE — The Steelers signed cornerback Alexander Myres to their practice squad and released Trevon Mathis. Myres was with the team during training camp.
Brian Batko contributed. Ray Fittipaldo: rfittipaldo@post-gazette.com and Twitter @rayfitt1.
First Published: September 24, 2019, 7:59 p.m.