KJ Henry, and the rest of Clemson's defense, had its best effort of the season against NC State Saturday night
KJ Henry Lands With Steelers After Injury Cut Short His Impressive 49ers Camp 1
KJ Henry is getting another shot in the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are bringing the defensive end back, signing him to their practice squad after a workout Monday.
Henry spent part of the summer with the San Francisco 49ers and reportedly was making a strong impression before an injury ended his camp early.
KJ Henry Gets Another Chance With Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end KJ Henry (52) lines up during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images (Eagles)
Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end KJ Henry (52) lines up during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the move on Tuesday, noting that Henry had impressed the 49ers before the injury changed his situation. Henry signed with the 49ers on July 29; however, he was waived with an injury designation on August 12.
The #Steelers are signing DE KJ Henry to the practice squad after his workout yesterday. Henry was impressing with the #49ers in camp before an injury cut his summer short. pic.twitter.com/woTSL0PE4w
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 6, 2026
This is not Henry’s first time with the Steelers. He spent several weeks on the Steelers’ practice squad during the 2025 season and returned earlier this year on a reserve/future contract. The team released him in June. That did not stop them from bringing him back when another opportunity opened up.
The 27-year-old has bounced around quite a bit since entering the NFL. The Washington Commanders selected him in the fifth round of the 2023 draft out of Clemson. He appeared in 10 games as a rookie, finishing with 19 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
He later spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cleveland Browns. Henry played two games for the Cowboys in 2024 and recorded three tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, and a sack. He also spent time on the Eagles’ practice squad and earned a Super Bowl ring with them.
His most recent regular-season appearance came with the Browns last year. Henry played five special teams snaps against the Tennessee Titans and did not record a statistic.
The Steelers are clearly interested in seeing what the 49ers’ defensive end can offer now that he is healthy enough to work out for teams again. His summer with the 49ers is the biggest reason for optimism. Garafolo specifically noted that Henry had been impressing the 49ers before the injury cut that opportunity short. The Steelers also have a reason to add another body up front. Derrick Harmon, who suffered a foot injury playing against the Browns, has been put on injured reserve and will miss several games.
Although Henry may not easily replace Harmon, especially since he will be on the practice squad rather than the active roster, the current situation gives the Steelers another player to develop while their defensive line copes with the injury.
As for Henry, he gets another shot to settle somewhere once and for all after playing in various teams during the first four years of his career. His NFL stats include 22 tackles, five tackles for a loss, three quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, and two passes defended. Now he can prove to the Steelers why he attracted their attention in the 49ers training camp until the injury occurred.