Even before cutdowns, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kwon Alexander said he was prepared to change numbers. A mid-training camp add, he sported No. 26 throughout the summer, the same jersey donned by RB Anthony McFarland. With both making the team’s 53-man roster, one had to switch, and Alexander was gracious enough to let McFarland keep his digits. Now, Alexander will wear No. 54. In addition to that, Markus Golden will return to wear No. 44.
That’s according to the team website, which posted updated numbers today.
Frankly, there weren’t many other choices. Most numbers in the 50s were spoken for either because established players already had them (Alex Highsmith’s 56, Cole Holcomb’s 55) or because they’re unofficially retired by the team (Mike Webster’s 52, Jack Lambert’s 58, Jack Ham’s 59).