Pittsburgh Steelers place key defender on COVID-19 list

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to battle injuries and COVID-19 issues, like so many teams in the NFL as the late push for a playoff spot continues.

On Wednesday, the Steelers announced DT Montravius Adams has been placed on the COVID-19 list, meaning his status moving forward is uncertain based on if he his vaccinated and NFL protocols.

Pittsburgh faces a tough AFC test vs. the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Adams was signed by on Nov. 30 off the New Orleans Saints practice squad and has been a solid addition to the defensive line, recording four tackles, a tackle for loss, a pass deflection and a quarterback pressure in just two games suiting up for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Adams was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons with the Packers, playing in 45 games and starting three. He had 40 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. The Saints claimed Adams off waivers prior to the season, and he has been on the practice squad and played in five games, including one start, in 2021. He has seven tackles this season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers need all the help they can get when it comes to stopping the run, so this is a significant blow.

Despite a talented roster, Pittsburgh has one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL, and that has been very apparent over recent weeks. Pittsburgh is allowing 139.5 rushing yards per game, which is only better than the Houston Texans (144.2) and Los Angeles Chargers (141.2).

Dalvin Cook ran for over 200 yards and two touchdowns on Thursday night. Two weeks ago, Bengals running back Joe Mixon had a monster day on the ground with 165 yards and two touchdowns. In a tie with the Lions, the Steelers allowed D’Andre Swift to run for 130 yards.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are now 6-6-1 on the season, sitting in third place in the AFC North.