The Pittsburgh Steelers add key man to their practice squad.

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding a quarterback to their locker room, signing former Penn State star Trace McSorley to their practice squad, the team announced.

McSorley, 28, spent time with the New England Patriots during the summer but was cut prior to the 53-man roster deadline. He then signed with the Chicago Bears practice squad for a short time this season.

McSorely will be the team’s third quarterback as they wait on the return of Kenny Pickett. Pickett is set to miss 2-4 weeks after undergoing ankle surgery, leaving Mitch Trubisky as the starter with Mason Rudolph as the backup.

The Steelers can elevate McSorley to the active/inactive roster for up to three games and utilize him as the third quarterback. He does not need to be active in order to dress, and can enter the game if Trubisky and Rudolph are unable to finish.

The former sixth-round pick out of Penn State was originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens and has spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, Patriots and Bears.