The Pittsburgh Steelers had a relatively busy Tuesday for a team that is 5-8 and virtually out of the playoff picture. Defensive lineman, Chris Wormley will head to IR as his season is over due to a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 14 against his former team, the Baltimore Ravens. While the team has not announced it, multiple reports suggest he will be shelved for the remainder of 2022. The organization is reportedly signing defensive tackle, Jonathan Marshall off of the New York Jets practice squad to help fill the void, but that wasn’t the only move that was reported on Tuesday evening.
The Tennessee Titans waived linebacker, Ola Adeniyi on Monday and Pittsburgh jumped on the opportunity to bring the pass rusher back to the Steel City. It has not been officially confirmed if he will be heading to the practice squad or immediately join the 53-man roster. Being added to the active/inactive roster would make it necessary for the franchise to make room for him with a corresponding move. One of which could be Malik Reed heading to IR with his back injury.
Adeniyi was undrafted out of the University of Toledo, but the Steelers gave him a shot back in 2018. He did not play much his rookie year, but played in 31 games from 2019-20 for Pittsburgh. He ended up signing with Tennessee and has 21 tackles, eight QB hits and 2.5 sacks this season. He provides some depth while also having a great deal of familiarity with the system. Head Coach, Mike Tomlin‘s ears were probably ringing when the Titans moved on from him Monday.
If he has been signed to the 53-man roster and Reed is not placed on IR, that could foreshadow the release of Jamir Jones, who has played in 13 games this year, but has not recorded a sack. Marshall is the newcomer and while he has not played for New York since the four games he participated in in 2021, could potentially get a jersey on Sundays due to the Wormley injury. Injuries have decimated Pittsburgh’s defense this season and as that trend continues, one familiar face along with a new one will join the locker room this week.
The signing of Marshall is similar to one made late last year when Montravius Adams was brought in. He is now a starter for the Steelers. As far as Adeniyi goes, Pittsburgh saw something they liked back in 2018 when hewas brought in after not being selected in the draft. He returns to the team that gave him his first legitimate chance in the NFL and fans who were formerly upset about his departure can now welcome him back with open arms.
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