The Pittsburgh Steelers have made significant roster changes just days before their Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Following a narrow victory over the New York Jets, the team announced four key moves that reflect their ambitions for the season.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Steelers signed safety Jabrill Peppers to a one-year contract. This addition comes as the team seeks to bolster its defensive lineup, particularly after injuries impacted their performance in the previous game. Peppers, a former first-round draft pick from the 2017 NFL Draft, has previously played for the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and New England Patriots.
In addition to Peppers, Pittsburgh elevated cornerback James Pierre from the practice squad to the active roster. Pierre has been with the Steelers since 2020 and has contributed significantly on special teams, including participating in 11 snaps during their Week 1 win against the Jets.
The team also signed quarterback Logan Woodside to the practice squad. Woodside, who has played for five different NFL teams over his eight-year career, brings experience but has yet to secure a starting position. He has completed four passes in regular-season play, with a completion rate below 60%.
These roster adjustments were necessitated by injuries to linebacker Malik Harrison and third-string quarterback Skylar Thompson, both of whom have been placed on injured reserve. Harrison, who joined the Steelers on a two-year, $10 million contract earlier this year, had previously spent five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Thompson, a former 7th-round pick, has one touchdown pass in his NFL career.
The Steelers secured a close 34-32 victory against the Jets in their season opener, but head coach Mike Tomlin expressed concern about the injuries sustained during the match. With the upcoming clash against the Seahawks, the team is keen to address these challenges and strengthen their lineup.
As the season progresses, the Steelers’ roster moves indicate a proactive approach to maintaining competitiveness and addressing immediate needs. Fans will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the team’s performance in the coming weeks.
