Steelers bolster linebacker corps with Kana’i Mauga signing
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant move to address their linebacker woes by signing former USC standout Kana’i Mauga to their practice squad. This decision comes on the heels of yet another injury setback, as starting middle linebacker Patrick Queen sustained a glute injury during the recent loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Injury concerns mount for Pittsburgh
The Steelers are grappling with a wave of injuries that have tested their depth throughout the season. Queen, who wears the green dot signaling defensive communication, was forced to exit the game against Buffalo and his status for the upcoming Week 14 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens remains uncertain. As the team navigates this challenging period, the addition of Mauga offers a glimmer of hope for a defense in need of reinforcements.
Mauga’s college accolades
Kana’i Mauga, now 25 years old, brings a wealth of experience from his collegiate career at USC, where he was a four-year player and a three-year starter. Over his time with the Trojans, he amassed impressive statistics, including 206 total tackles, with 105 of those being solo efforts. Mauga’s defensive prowess was further highlighted by six passes defended, five sacks, three interceptions, and a forced fumble, establishing him as a formidable presence on the field.
The undrafted journey to the NFL
Despite his collegiate success, Mauga went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft at just 21 years old. He initially entered the NFL with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent but was unable to secure a spot on their active roster after training camp. His first taste of regular-season action came with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he played in 17 games across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, including 12 games in the latter year. During his time with the Raiders, Mauga tallied six total tackles, showcasing his ability to contribute in limited opportunities.
Recent stints with the Chargers
Most recently, Mauga spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Steelers. His varied experiences across multiple franchises have equipped him with a unique perspective and adaptability that Pittsburgh hopes to leverage as they face ongoing injury challenges. As the Steelers prepare for their critical matchup against the Ravens, the addition of Mauga to the practice squad may provide the depth needed to navigate this injury-stricken stretch.
