McFarland was released from the Dolphins' practice squad Thursday.
After he was unsuccessful in making the Dolphins' 53-man roster Tuesday, McFarland opted to return to Miami's practice squad one day later. It appears his services are no longer needed, however, and the 2020 fourth-round pick out of Maryland will now explore his next options. McFarland appeared in three regular-season games for the Steelers in 2023, during which he caught two passes for 11 yards, before also suiting up for the UFL's San Antonio Brahmas this past spring.
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Anthony McFarland: Back in Miami
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McFarland signed with the Dolphins' practice squad Wednesday.
The fifth-year wide receiver out of Maryland failed to make the Dolphins' initial 53-man roster Tuesday, but he's been brought back as a practice-squad player. McFarland appeared in three games for the Steelers in 2023, catching both of his targets for 11 yards while playing just six offensive snaps. However, he was saw extended opportunity this past spring with the UFL's San Antonio Brahmas, rushing for 192 yards and adding another 207 through the air while recording four total touchdowns.
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Anthony McFarland: Released by the Dolphins
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McFarland was released by the Dolphins on Tuesday.
Despite signing with the Dolphins just over a week ago, McFarland found himself on the outside of the 53-man roster Tuesday during final cuts. The running back was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he appeared in 17 games over his four seasons with Pittsburgh. McFarland had an uphill battle for securing a roster spot within the Dolphins crowded running back room, and he'll now look for another opportunity elsewhere in 2024.
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Anthony McFarland: Back on Pittsburgh's practice squad
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McFarland signed with the Steelers' practice squad Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
McFarland was waived by Pittsburgh on Thursday and ultimately went unclaimed. He has primarily been a member of the practice squad this season, but the 24-year-old has suited up three times to serve as a returner.
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Anthony McFarland: Gets cut loose
Rotowire
McFarland was waived by the Steelers on Thursday.
McFarland hasn't suited up with the Steelers since Week 11 against the Browns and served as the team's return man during his three appearances this season. He'll likely be a candidate to return to the team's practice squad, or he may pursue a new opportunity elsewhere.
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Steelers' Anthony McFarland: Healthy scratch against Cincinnati
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McFarland (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.
McFarland has served as Pittsburgh's primary kick returner when healthy this season. However, he was surpassed by Godwin Igwebuike for the role in Week 11 and that has seemingly carried forward into Week 12.
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Steelers' Anthony McFarland: Full practice Wednesday
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McFarland (knee) was a full participant at the Steelers' practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the team's official website reports.
McFarland was designated to return from injured reserve Monday and he now appears to be nearing a return to the field. The running back last appeared in a game Week 1 versus the 49ers.
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Steelers' Anthony McFarland: Back at practice
Rotowire
McFarland (knee) returned to practice Monday.
McFarland went to Pittsburgh's injured reserve list with a knee injury after a Week 1 loss versus San Francisco, but it now seems he could return as early as Week 7 at the Rams. The Steelers now have a 21-day window to activate him, or he'll be relegated to IR for the remainder of the year.
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Steelers' Anthony McFarland: Set to miss Week 2
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McFarland (knee) has been ruled out for Monday night's contest versus Cleveland, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
McFarland has been unavailable for practice this week with a knee injury and will now be forced to miss Monday's game. He'll now set his sights on returning for Week 3 against Las Vegas.
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Steelers' Anthony McFarland: Misses practice again Friday
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McFarland (knee) did not participate at practice Friday ahead of Monday's game versus Cleveland, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
It's looking increasingly unlikely McFarland will be available in Week 2 after managing just five offensive snaps in Week 1. If he misses time, it will leave Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren virtually alone to share carries out of Pittsburgh's backfield.
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Steelers' Anthony McFarland: Logs two touches Sunday
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McFarland secured both of his targets for 11 yards during the Steelers' 30-7 loss to San Francisco on Sunday.
McFarland played just five offensive snaps during Sunday's regular-season opener, but he still managed to draw two targets in the passing game. As long as Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are healthy this year, it should be difficult for McFarland to carve out a fantasy-relevant role.
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Steelers' Anthony McFarland: Stands apart with speed
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Coach Mike Tomlin recently told reporters that McFarland has "a distinguishing trait" and "won more in space than others" during training camp.
McFarland looked to be the No. 3 running back throughout preseason and ended up landing that job on the initial 53-man roster. His 4.44 speed may have stood out among a position group that otherwise lacked breakaway speed, but McFarland nonetheless figures to start the year with minimal involvement in the offense behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
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Steelers' Anthony McFarland: Leading rusher against Atlanta
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McFarland rushed 10 times for 55 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's 24-0 preseason win over the Falcons.
McFarland saw plenty of work during Pittsburgh's exhibition finale, capping off what has been a solid training camp and preseason. He reached the end zone twice and rushed 22 times for 75 yards and two touchdowns while securing all three of his targets for 23 yards. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren appear to be the Steelers' clear top two running backs, but McFarland may have done enough to earn a spot on the team's 53-man roster.
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Steelers' Anthony McFarland: Sticks with Pittsburgh
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The Steelers signed McFarland to a reserve/future contract Thursday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.
McFarland spent the first two seasons of his career on Pittsburgh's active roster, but he moved down to the practice squad for the start of the 2022 campaign after getting waived in late August. The 2020 fourth-round pick was elevated when rookie Jaylen Warren was inactive with a hamstring injury Week 12, recording six carries for 30 yards as well as two receptions for 11 yards during this lone appearance in 2022. McFarland's experience with the team should keep him in contention for a backup running back role heading into the 2023 campaign.
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Steelers' Anthony McFarland: Tallies 41 yards from scrimmage
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McFarland rushed six times for 30 yards while securing both of his targets for 11 yards during the Steelers' 24-17 win over the Colts on Monday.
McFarland was elevated from Pittsburgh's practice squad ahead of Monday night's matchup since Jaylen Warren (hamstring) was unavailable. The team found ways to get McFarland on the field early in the game, and he saw increased work after Najee Harris (abdomen) exited the matchup in the second quarter. McFarland played 30 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps but isn't guaranteed to be on the active roster if Harris and Warren are healthy going forward.
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Anthony McFarland: Lands back in Steel City
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The Steelers signed McFarland to the practice squad Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
McFarland lost out on a roster spot to undrafted free agent Jaylen Warren, though he'll now re-join the team as roster depth. McFarland managed only three rushes for three yards during the 2021 season while with Pittsburgh.
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Anthony McFarland: Waived by Pittsburgh
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The Steelers are waiving McFarland, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
The 2020 fourth-round pick didn't play much his first two seasons and now seems to have fallen behind both Benny Snell and Jaylen Warren. It's possible McFarland sticks around on Pittsburgh's practice squad if he isn't claimed on waivers.
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Steelers' Anthony McFarland: Logs team-high 56 rushing yards
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McFarland rushed seven times for 56 yards during the Steelers' 32-25 preseason win over the Seahawks on Saturday.
McFarland made some big plays early in training camp and drew the start during Saturday's preseason opener since Najee Harris and Benny Snell (knee) didn't take the field. McFarland was on the field for 25 percent of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps and led the team in rushing yards while also returning kicks. Snell, McFarland and Jaylen Warren are competing for backfield work behind Harris ahead of the regular season.
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Steelers' Anthony McFarland: Making impact early in camp
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McFarland made a pair of big plays during Thursday's practice session, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports.
McFarland was a fourth-round pick by the Steelers in 2020, but he's on the roster bubble ahead of the 2022 season. The 23-year-old has had minimal work over his first two professional seasons, rushing 36 times for 116 yards while securing seven of 10 targets for 65 yards. However, he broke off a 70-yard touchdown run during Thursday's practice session before making a contested catch along the sideline later in the day. McFarland is competing with Benny Snell and Mataeo Durant to serve as backfield depth for the Steelers ahead of the regular season. Even if McFarland wins a roster spot, he's unlikely to be a significant fantasy contributor as long as Najee Harris (foot) is healthy.
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Steelers' Anthony McFarland: Inactive Sunday
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McFarland (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game at Baltimore, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
McFarland was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday but won't be active for the final game of the regular season. The 22-year-old has appeared in only two games this season and has three carries for three yards and one catch for 11 yards.
