In Week 16, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquire valuable starting experience on the defensive side, addressing a crucial need.
In preparation for Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers are incorporating two seasoned veterans with substantial starting experience into their defense. The team has officially promoted inside linebacker Myles Jack and safety Eric Rowe to the active roster for the upcoming game.
This elevation permits these two players, who were previously on the practice squad, to be part of the game-day roster before returning to the practice squad afterward. Anticipated to play crucial roles on defense, both Jack and Rowe might be in the starting lineup, filling in due to injuries.
With Minkah Fitzpatrick sidelined due to a knee injury, Trenton Thompson ruled out with a neck issue, and Damontae Kazee suspended for the rest of the regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers are turning to Eric Rowe, Miles Killebrew, and cornerback Patrick Peterson to fill in at safety.
Additionally, there’s a possibility of Elijah Riley making a return from injured reserve, although he is listed as questionable for the upcoming game.
Eric Rowe, a second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, brings significant experience to the position with 100 NFL games under his belt, including 56 starts. Notably, he started six games for the Miami Dolphins last season.
In the linebacker position, Myles Jack is set to rejoin the active defense for the first time since joining the practice squad later in the year. Despite initially announcing his retirement, the veteran returned to the Steelers following injuries to Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander.
The linebacker group for the upcoming week will include Jack, Elandon Roberts, Mykal Walker, Blake Martinez, and Mark Robinson.
There is a possibility that Jack may make his first start of the year alongside Roberts as the Steelers continue their search for the most effective inside linebacker, considering options like Jack, Walker, Martinez, and Robinson.
