Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 8, 2024 4:22 pm GMT
The Pittsburgh Steelers made strategic roster adjustments ahead of their Sunday game against the Atlanta Falcons. In a bid to enhance their chances in the regular season opener, the Steelers elevated wide receiver Ben Skowronek from the practice squad to the active roster. This move comes after several roster decisions, with the team aiming to bolster their offensive capabilities and address injury concerns.
Ben Skowronek Joins Active Roster
Ben Skowronek, who previously played for the Los Angeles Rams, has officially joined the Steelers’ game roster for their season opener. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft as the 249th overall pick, Skowronek brings a wealth of experience to Pittsburgh. Over his career with the Rams, he logged 58 receptions for 575 yards and one touchdown across 45 games, and emerged as a leader, serving as a team captain.
During his college football career, Skowronek played at Northwestern and transferred to Notre Dame for his final season, where he demonstrated notable performance, including two touchdowns in a single game against the University of Pittsburgh at Acrisure Stadium. His versatile skill set positions him to be a useful asset both on offense and special teams, especially in light of the Steelers’ receiving corps needing a boost. Given that fellow receiver Roman Wilson will not participate due to an ankle injury, Skowronek’s elevation is seen as a timely addition.
Injury Updates and Defensive Line Adjustments
Alongside the elevation of Skowronek, the Steelers also placed rookie defensive lineman Logan Lee on the Reserve/Injured List. Lee, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, has been dealing with a calf injury that has kept him out of practice this week. His absence leaves the Steelers looking for sufficient depth among their defensive line players, including Isaiahh Loudermilk, Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams, and DeMarvin Leal, as they prepare for the season without Lee for at least four weeks.
Logan Lee had a strong collegiate career at Iowa, starting 41 of 43 games, and was looked upon as a reliable reserve option upon joining the Steelers. His potential effectiveness in run defense and pass coverage will be sorely missed, particularly as the defense seeks to remain formidable throughout the season. Steelers’ coaching staff now face the challenge of keeping the defensive line healthy while integrating remaining players effectively.
Other Roster Moves and Contracts Signed
The Steelers have been active in reshaping their roster leading up to this weekend. Notably, the team signed tight end Pat Freiermuth to a new five-year contract, solidifying their offensive strategy moving forward. In a similar vein, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward received a three-year contract extension, further anchoring the defensive line.
Additional practice squad moves have included the signing of defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and Ayo Oyelola, among eight others. These changes reflect the Steelers’ proactive approach to ensuring that they have a competitive roster in place as the regular season gets underway.
Upcoming Matchup Against the Atlanta Falcons
The established changes to the roster come just in time as the Steelers prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons in their first regular season game. With a modified roster and an eye on future weeks, the Steelers will aim to leverage all available talent effectively. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the adjustments play out and whether Skowronek can provide the offensive ignition the team is looking for, particularly in the absence of key players like Wilson.
As kickoff approaches, the anticipation among Steelers fans rises. The Steelers have emphasized preparing for a fierce matchup and ensuring that their team can operate cohesively despite ongoing changes. The game is expected to serve as a critical indicator of the team’s strengths and areas needing improvement as they embark on the 2024 season.
For fans eager to follow the action, the NFL+ streaming service will be available for live local and primetime games, providing coverage on mobile devices along with NFL RedZone and NFL Network. Interested fans can sign up to ensure they don’t miss any of the Steelers’ games throughout the season.
Stay Updated
Keep an eye on the latest Steelers news and roster updates by following their official Twitter account at @steelers. For a continuous stream of insights, analysis, and the latest transactions throughout the NFL season, visit Steelers OnSI for timely news, exclusive interviews, and more.
The Steelers are getting ready for a tough season. They have a mix of new players and experienced ones, and that could really help them do well this year.
