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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.

Donte Kent: Get To Know the Steelers Seventh-Round Pick - Yahoo Sports

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.

Ex-Harrisburg High star Donte Kent inks rookie deal with Steelers -  pennlive.com

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.

Steelers rookie Donte Kent's biggest battle was breaking out of Harrisburg:  'A lot don't make it' - pennlive.com

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.

Snapshot: Donte Kent

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.

Ravens Update Quarterback Depth Amid Controversies - Re-signed Pro Bowl Star to QB2
Baltimore, MD – October 7, 2025 Following Cooper Rush's disappointing performance in the humiliating 10-44 loss to the Houston Texans on Saturday (October 6), the Baltimore Ravens are facing intense debates about their quarterback room depth. With Lamar Jackson still nursing a hamstring injury and potentially missing the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Rams (scheduled for Week 6), the big question arises: Should Tyler Huntley – the former Ravens Pro Bowl star – get the starting nod over Rush? Huntley, 27 years old, was re-signed by the Ravens to the practice squad at the end of August 2025 and quickly elevated to QB2 for Week 5. He served as the Ravens' backup QB from 2020-2024, leading the team to the playoffs in 2022 and earning a Pro Bowl replacement spot thanks to his impressive performances filling in for Jackson. With experience in 9 starts (3-6 record), Huntley brings familiarity to the Ravens' offensive system, particularly his mobility and game-reading skills – something Rush seemed to lack in the Texans loss, where he completed only 18/34 passes with 1 TD and 2 INTs, resulting in the offense scoring just 10 points. The controversy exploded on social media, with the hashtag #RavensFlock divided. Many fans support Huntley: "Rush has proven he's not the solution. Huntley knows the system, knows how to win games – put him in!" (from account @RavensFanatic on X). Meanwhile, others defend Rush, arguing he needs time to adapt after transferring from the Dallas Cowboys: "Rush just started his first game for us. Don't rush to conclusions – he has playoff experience!" However, Rush's performance (only 189 passing yards, no big plays) has raised concerns about the depth chart, especially with Jackson possibly out for another 1-2 weeks. Head coach John Harbaugh hasn't commented directly, but in the post-Texans press conference, he hinted at a reevaluation: "We have multiple quality options at QB. Tyler is ready, and we'll choose the one best suited to win." ESPN insiders report that Huntley has been practicing fully and performing well, potentially being promoted to official QB2 if Jackson misses the Rams game – a crucial matchup for the Ravens (currently 1-4) to salvage their season. Signing Huntley – a Pro Bowl star – is seen as a smart move amid the controversies, boosting the Ravens' depth and flexibility. If Huntley gets "the nod" to start, it could be his chance to prove his value, just like his previous fill-ins for Jackson. Ravens fans are awaiting the decision – will "Snoop" (Huntley's nickname) return to save the team? Follow updates from baltimoreravens.com for more details. #RavensFlock #QBControversy