The Pittsburgh Steelers are set for a pivotal AFC North clash against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday afternoon.
Pittsburgh (7-7) will take their playoff hopes to Cincinnati (8-6), where they’ll start Mason Rudolph at quarterback. Will there be a Christmas miracle for the Steelers, or will Jake Browning play the role of Pittsburgh’s Grinch on Saturday? Either way, it’s bound to be entertaining.
Prior to the game, the Steelers made some interesting moves on the defensive side of the football, elevating some fascinating names.
“The Steelers made several roster moves ahead of Saturday’s game against the Bengals,” Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk wrote. “They activated defensive back Elijah Riley from injured reserve and signed linebacker Kyron Johnson to the 53-player roster from the practice squad.
“In addition, the Steelers elevated linebacker Myles Jack and safety Eric Rowe from the practice squad.”
The return of Riley could be a big one for the Steelers. In the 10 games he’s played in this season, the defensive back has seven tackles, one sack and two tackles for a loss, as well as two special teams tackles. He was originally placed on on injured reserve after hurting an ankle in the Week 11 game against the Browns.
On the other hand, Johnson originally joined Pittsburgh’s practice squad Oct. 10. Over the last couple of weeks, he’s been elevated to the game day roster for the Week 13 game against the Arizona Cardinals, the Week 14 game against the New England Patriots and the Week 15 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
With Johnson being out of elevations, the Steelers signed him to their active roster. He’s been more of a special teams player for Pittsburgh over the last couple of weeks.
Finally, the most recognizable name on the list is none other than Myles Jack, who was formerly one of the best linebackers in the entire league.
Last month, the former UCLA star was signed to the practice squad on Nov. 20. Before taking his talents to the Steelers, Jack was with the Philadelphia Eagles. His time with the reigning NFC champions came to an end when he told them he was going to retire before the start of the season.
Last season, Jack appeared in 15 games for Pittsburgh, starting 13. He finished the season with a team-high 104 tackles, and now he’ll look to step back into the uniform like he never left.
As for Rowe, he’s spent some serious time in the NFL, as the defensive back has played with the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers. Over his career, Rowe has appeared in 62 games, making 38 starts.
Regardless, the Steelers need a win on Saturday against the Bengals. We’ll see if it’s Pittsburgh or Cincinnati left standing when it’s all said and done in Week 16.
More must-reads: