Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – the Pittsburgh Steelers have made a decisive and pointed move. Head Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the team has released a second-year linebacker — a player selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft who was once viewed as a potential depth piece in the linebacker room.

The official reason: the player has not participated in a single workout with the team since Phase 1 began. While teammates — from the team’s biggest stars to the longest-tenured veterans — have attended every session, he chose instead to spend the time traveling.

At today’s press conference, McCarthy did not hold back:

“Although the workouts are voluntary, none of our veteran players or No. 1 stars have missed a single session. While the entire team has been working hard to build our system and chemistry, he chose to go on vacation and hasn’t shown up for any workouts at all. His performance last season wasn’t good, and honestly he was already on our cut-candidate list. More importantly, his actions show he isn’t demonstrating any desire to improve or fight for a spot on this year’s roster. This isn’t just about physical training. This is about whether you truly want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or not.”

The player referenced by McCarthy is second-year linebacker Carson Bruener — the Steelers’ seventh-round pick (No. 226 overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft.

McCarthy stressed that even though the Offseason Program is technically “voluntary,” it remains a critical period for the coaching staff to evaluate players’ attitude and commitment.

Carson Bruener, who saw limited action as a rookie in 2025 primarily on special teams, has now officially been placed on the cut list due to his complete absence from the program.

The decision sends a clear message from McCarthy and the Steelers’ coaching staff: whether you’re a rookie or a second-year player with upside, no one is guaranteed a spot on the 53-man roster if they fail to show professionalism and hunger.

The Steelers remain in Phase 2 of the Offseason Program. The team will move into OTAs and the mandatory minicamp next week. Linebacker depth is now expected to be a priority for veteran signings or further additions in the coming weeks.

Update: A representative for Carson Bruener has not yet issued a comment on the matter.