The Steelers have problems on both offense and defense, and yesterday they made a couple of moves to add to their depleted defensive corps, signing two veterans to the practice squad.
Linebacker Myles Jack is certainly familiar to Steelers fans. He led the team in tackles last season but was let go in the offseason. After signing with the Eagles, he abruptly retired in training camp. But yesterday, he signed with the Steelers, who have ongoing needs at inside linebacker after the losses of Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander.
The situation at safety is almost as dire, with Minkah Fitzpatrick missing the last three games with a hamstring injury, Keanu Neal placed on injured reserve last weekend with a rib injury, and safety Elijah Riley placed on IR yesterday with a high ankle injury. In response, the Steelers signed veteran Eric Rowe, a former Eagles second round draft pick who started 39 games in the last four seasons with Miami. He was released after last season and tried unsuccessfully to hook on with Carolina, which released him from their practice squad on September 19th.
In the locker room yesterday, frustrated Steelers players were searching for answers after Sunday’s loss to Cleveland.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson was visibly upset on the sidelines on Sunday, angrily barking at coach Mike Tomlin over the ineptitude of the offense. Johnson was much calmer yesterday, saying he doesn’t blame Kenny Pickett, but everybody has to play better football.
Center Mason Cole says the Steelers have to keep their heads in the game and stop carping.
At 6-4, the Steelers are currently clinging to the seventh and final playoff slot in the AFC, just ahead of 6-5 Buffalo and 5-5 Indianapolis, Denver, and Cincinnati.
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