Steelers make multiple roster moves ahead of season finale against Ravens

Three days before the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to close their regular season out against the Baltimore Ravens, they have switched up parts of their roster.

On Thursday, the Steelers added wide receiver Diontae Johnson and center Kendrick Green to the reserve/COVID-19 list, and they restored defensive tackle Daniel Archibong to the practice squad. The COVID-19 movements come just a day after Steelers cornerback Joe Haden was put on the list as well, which may end his Pittsburgh career due to his contract’s expiration at the end of the season.

Johnson would be a huge loss for Pittsburgh, as he is the Steelers top receiver by a wide margin. The wideout has 100 receptions for 1,110 yards and eight touchdown catches. He is one of just six players in the NFL with at least 100 receptions this year.

Green started the first 15 games of the year for the Steelers, but J.C. Hassenauer replaced him at starting center in Monday night’s win over the Cleveland Browns. The rookie out of Illinois and third-round draft pick is dealing with a calf injury, and he was not benched for performance-related issues, per Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. According to PFF, in 975 snaps played, Green has allowed just three sacks.

Also a rookie, Archibong went undrafted last spring, signed with the Chicago Bears, and was waived at the end of summer camp. He was added to Pittsburgh’s practice squad the following day, and he made his NFL debut on Nov. 21. He was activated to the active roster again the following week.

Steelers seeking playoff berth, need major help

Pittsburgh-Baltimore kicks off at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS, and the Steelers have to win to remain alive for the playoffs. They need additional assistance to claim one of the two remaining spots: the Jacksonville Jaguars must beat the Indianapolis Colts, and the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders game cannot end in a tie. If there was a tie (and the Colts lost), the Chargers and Raiders would both make the playoffs instead of Pittsburgh.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been a limited participant in practice this week, as he continues to deal with a pectoral and right shoulder injury. The full Wednesday injury report for Pittsburgh can be found here.

Baltimore is a 5.5-point favorite at home, and Pittsburgh won the first meeting between the two teams this season 20-19 on Dec. 5.