Domenique Davis #72 of the Cincinnati Bengals
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to shuffle the roster in preparation for the stretch run of the season, adding defensive tackle Domenique Davis to their practice squad. The move, announced by the team, brings Davis into a crowded practice squad unit that now features three defensive tackles—joining Jacob Slade and Breiden Fehoko—providing the Steelers with increased depth along the defensive line.
Davis, 28, comes to Pittsburgh after a brief stint with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals released Davis from their practice squad on October 22, after he spent three years with the team. He initially joined Cincinnati in 2022 and has had previous NFL stops with the New York Jets, who signed him as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft.
A Raw Talent with Size and Versatility
Davis brings an intriguing mix of size and versatility to the Steelers’ defensive line. Standing at 6-foot-2 and tipping the scales at 326 pounds, Davis is a force against the run, capable of anchoring the interior of the defensive front. His size gives the Steelers some flexibility in how they deploy him, allowing him to line up both as a traditional defensive tackle and potentially in other roles along the defensive line depending on game situations.
Before making his way to the NFL, Davis played college ball at UNC Pembroke, where he earned recognition for his play, attracting enough attention to secure an NFL training camp opportunity. While Davis’ NFL career has yet to fully take off, he’s shown enough potential to keep his name on the radar for teams looking to bolster their defensive depth.
Limited Impact, but Potential for Growth
Davis has yet to make a major impact on the field in his NFL career. Over his four seasons, Davis has recorded just three tackles in his professional tenure—highlighting his limited in-game experience. Despite this, he remains a work-in-progress, with the Steelers no doubt seeing upside in his development.
Given his previous tenure with both the Bengals and Jets, Davis has had exposure to multiple defensive systems and has likely honed his skills in practice and training camps. The Steelers are hoping to tap into that raw potential and develop Davis further, whether it’s on the practice squad or potentially elevating him to the active roster down the line.
The Steelers’ Practice Squad: A Developmental Unit
The addition of Davis gives the Steelers a third option at defensive tackle on their practice squad. Alongside Jacob Slade and Breiden Fehoko, the trio provides Pittsburgh with some much-needed depth on the interior defensive line. While Davis hasn’t yet made a significant impact in games, his size and experience at the professional level could prove valuable as a rotational piece or emergency fill-in.
With all 17 practice squad spots now filled following Davis’ signing, the Steelers’ front office is showing a commitment to depth and development as they work through the rigors of the season. Signing Davis and tight end Matt Sokol fills out the practice squad, giving the team added options as they prepare for a potential playoff run.
Looking Ahead: Davis’ Role with the Steelers
The Steelers’ defense has been one of their strengths this season, and while Davis may not be a key contributor right away, the signing is indicative of Pittsburgh’s ongoing efforts to build a strong, deep roster. With a solid defensive line already in place, adding a big body like Davis to the practice squad gives the team more flexibility and depth in case of injuries or personnel changes.
For Davis, this opportunity with the Steelers could be his chance to finally break through and make an impact at the NFL level. Pittsburgh has a reputation for developing defensive talent, and with the right coaching and system, Davis could evolve into a more prominent role. If he impresses on the practice squad, there may be a chance to elevate him to the active roster later in the season.
For now, Davis’ focus will be on showing the Steelers’ coaching staff what he can bring to the table and earning his way into their long-term plans. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen, but for a player like Davis, it’s all about taking advantage of the opportunity when it presents itself.
