New OLB Making Steelers Debut

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have a new name on their roster in Week 13 when they take on the Arizona Cardinals. For the first time this season, practice squad outside linebacker Kyron Johnson is set to be elevated for game day, he tells All Steelers. 

Johnson, with his gameday bag sitting in front of his locker, told All Steelers that he's expecting to play a role on special teams, and could see some time on defense if the team needs him. But for the first time since signing with Pittsburgh, he'll be active. 

"I can't even say it's exciting or dull; it's just a regular work day. Everyday feels like a regular workday for me," Johnson said. "It's just like, go in, kick some a**, come out, do the same thing over again."

Johnson, a former sixth-round pick for the Eagles in 2022, said he's grown a lot since signing with the Steelers, and that getting to work with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Markus Golden has only improved his game. 

"Transitioning from one place to another, the culture is different, they do things different. You look up to those older dudes who know the culture, who studied the game, who've been here way before me, who studied the dudes way before I was here," Johnson said. "It's been a big help."

The Steelers will roll out five outside linebacker against the Cardinals. With Johnson being active, it could mean newly-signed inside linebacker Blake Martinez will not get a helmet for a second straight game as he continues to learn the defense. 

Johnson, who plays outside linebacker, will fill Martinez's spot as a special teamer.