Pittsburgh Steelers make Monday roster moves

The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced their first wave of roster moves as they enter week 16 of the NFL season. Pittsburgh, currently with a record of 7-6-1, sits in the middle of a heated battle to win the AFC North and a spot in the playoffs this year. So fans of the team should anticipate a theory of moves by the Steelers to get them into position for a playoff push.

On Monday, the Steelers announced that they have released defensive back Isaiah Johnson from their practice squad. This move was made, in conjunction, with Pittsburgh activating defensive back Linden Stephens to the practice squad. Stephens was added to the Steelers COVID-19 list last week. And now that he’s back, the services of Johnson are no longer needed.

Stephens has been primarily a member of the practice squad for multiple teams since coming into the league in 2018. The six-foot corner who played college for the Cincinnati Bearcats Has appeared in jest 16 NFL games. The majority of which came last season as a member of the Seattle Seahawks, where he played in 13 games.

Finally, the Steelers ended their post on Twitter, announcing guard Malcolm Pridgeon will be added to the practice squad COVID-19 reserve list.

Steelers head coach provides update on tight end

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin updated fans on the injury status of his star tight end, Pat Freiermuth, shortly after the 19-13 win over the Titans on Sunday. Freiermuth is currently in the concussion protocol after he suffered a big hit to the head and his head then bounced off the ground.

The concussion is the second of this season for the former Penn State star–the other one occurred on Nov. 28 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

If he has to miss time, it’ll be a big loss for the Steelers at the most important time. They’re currently in a battle for a playoff spot at the end of the 2021 season. Tomlin also announced that Pittsburgh defensive end Chris Wormley has a groin injury.

Thanks to their win over the Titans on Sunday, the Steelers‘ playoff hopes are still alive.

Freiermuth has been the best rookie tight end in the National Football League in 2021, so the Steelers will anxiously await the return of their star playmaker.