A digit switch for new Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jonathan Ward ahead of training camp. According to the roster on the team’s media site, Ward is now wearing No. 35. That’s a switch from the No. 48 he was previously sporting. The change isn’t shown as official on Steelers.com but it tends to lag behind.
The reason for the change is likely making room for LB Tyler Matakevich, signed late last week. Odds are good Matakevich will be assuming the No. 48. In his first stint with the Steelers from 2016-2019, he wore No. 44. But that number is currently held by undrafted free agent linebacker Julius Welschof.