Steelers sign Doneiko Slaughter, elevate Lew Nichols from practice squad

Slaughter had already been elevated twice in September

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 57m1 min read

We have signed DB Doneiko Slaughter to the Active Roster from the Practice Squad and elevated RB Lew Nichols to the Acti Via @steelers on X

What happened: Doneiko Slaughter has been signed to the active roster after two recent practice-squad elevations in September. Lew Nichols was elevated to the active/inactive roster, putting him in the pool for game-day availability.

Why it matters: The move gives the secondary a full active-roster spot for Slaughter instead of another temporary call-up. Nichols' elevation adds another backfield option and gives the offense extra depth for the next game.

By the numbers: Slaughter is in his first NFL season out of Arkansas and had already been elevated from the practice squad on Sept. 19 and Sept. 26 before this roster move. Nichols was drafted in the seventh round in 2023 out of Central Michigan and recorded one tackle in one Steelers game in 2025; this is his second elevation in five days after Sept. 26.

What to watch: Inactive announcements will determine whether Nichols dresses. Slaughter's usage will show whether the move is immediate game-day depth or the start of a longer stay on the 53-man roster.

Sources

@steelers 2026-10-01T20:04:38.299421+00:00

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