Steelers notes: Keeanu Benton takes the spotlight on ‘Hard Knocks,' RB Jonathan Ward waived

Pittsburgh Steelers second-year defensive tackle Keeanu Benton knew the NFL Films cameras would be present when he spoke to his teammates the night before the game, adding pressure for someone who doesn’t enjoy public speaking.

“When I’m talking to people, I get nervous,” Benton said. “The words that I’m thinking before the speech is not always what comes out. It’s just off the top. I just said what was in my heart.”

That’s why Benton called it “cringey” to watch himself on “Hard Knocks.” He was limited in practice by hip injury and said he’d had a bad week and “was down” both mentally and physically. During his drive, he had an epiphany that playing in the NFL is “what I’ve been dreaming of my whole life.”

Benton drew laughs and cheers when he ended his talk by saying, “Let’s kick these boys’ ass.”

“The whole camera being in there adds a little extra to everything, but I don’t feel like it was different,” Benton said. “I’ve talked to these guys before but being in that setting where we’re not in gear — we were getting ready to go to bed, essentially — to voice who I am and become a better leader.”

Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk was impressed.

“It’s awesome, especially him being so young,” Loudermilk said. “He’s a dominant player, as well. When he stands up and talks, everyone listens because we know what he can do on the field. And it is one of those situations where it is tough to talk, especially being a young person. But he did his thing. He stepped up willingly and delivered.”

Ward waived

In a move that could foretell the activation of defensive back Cory Trice off of injured reserve, the Steelers after Wednesday’s practice announced they had waived veteran running back Jonathan Ward.

Ward had not played in the past four games despite signing to the active roster Nov. 12. A five-year veteran who joined the Steelers in May, Ward has five carries for 22 yards in four games and 10 offensive snaps this season. He does play a special-teams role and has been back as a returner for kickoffs.

Trice, who has not played since Week 3 because of a hamstring injury, must be added to the 53-man roster this week or by rule he is out for the season. Thursday marks the 21-day mark since Trice returned to practice. On the injury report, Trice was listed as a limited participant Wednesday.