Steelers Seventh-Round CB Leaves Camp After Being Left Off Second Straight Preseason Roster

Latrobe, PA – The Pittsburgh Steelers’ training camp took an unexpected turn this week when rookie cornerback Donte Kent, a seventh-round pick fighting for a roster spot, abruptly walked out midway through practice.

According to team sources, Kent learned early in the day that, for the second preseason game in a row, his name would not appear on the active roster. For a rookie drafted on Day 3, missing valuable preseason reps can be a career-altering blow — especially when every snap is a chance to prove your worth.

Observers say Kent quietly gathered his gear, exchanged brief words with a teammate, and left the field before the final drills. The decision stunned several veterans, who saw the young defensive back as a player with raw speed and promise before an early-camp ankle injury slowed his progress.

Kent arrived at Saint Vincent College with a reputation for quick breaks on the ball and a fearless approach to man coverage. Coaches had initially praised his adaptability in the secondary, even giving him special-teams reps during the first week of camp.

But as roster battles intensified, and with veterans and higher draft picks ahead of him on the depth chart, Kent’s opportunities dwindled. Sitting out the first preseason game was a setback. Learning he’d be sidelined again for the second appeared to be the breaking point.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the situation briefly after practice:

“We expect our guys to compete through every situation — even the tough ones. This league will test your patience and your commitment.”

The Steelers have not yet announced any disciplinary action, but insiders suggest Kent’s walkout could complicate his chances of making the final 53-man roster.

With only one preseason game left before roster cuts, Kent’s future in Pittsburgh is now in serious doubt. Whether he returns to camp or seeks a fresh start elsewhere, the incident serves as a stark reminder: in the NFL, opportunity can vanish as quickly as it comes — and sometimes, walking away means you might never walk back in.