Steelers make big roster moves ahead of final playoff push

The Pittsburgh Steelers must win their final regular season game on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens if they want a shot at the playoffs. On Friday afternoon, they received some exciting news that should help achieve that goal.

After being put on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday, Pittsburgh has activated wide receiver Dointae Johnson ahead of the game. Johnson is their top receiver by a wide margin, so it is huge that he is able to play this weekend. 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.

Unfortunately, the Steelers placed linebacker Buddy Johnson on IR on Friday. The rookie is dealing with a foot injury and was already ruled out of Sunday’s game.

Additionally, Pittsburgh signed guard Nate Gilliam to the practice squad, while they released two wideouts from the group: Rico Bussey and Damion Willis.

Even with a win, Pittsburgh needs help

Pittsburgh-Baltimore kicks off at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS. Even if they top the Ravens a second time this season, 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.