For Week 16, the Pittsburgh Steelers get some much-needed starting defensive experience.
PITTSBURGH, PA — For Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers have added two veterans with extensive starting experience to their defense. The team announced that inside linebacker Myles Jack and safety Eric Rowe have been added to the active/inactive roster for the game.
The promotion allows both practice squad members to be on the roster for game day before returning to the practice squad. Both Jack and Rowe are expected to contribute significantly on defense in Week 16, and both could start due to injuries.
With Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) and Trenton Thompson (neck) ruled out, as well as Damontae Kazee suspended for the rest of the season, the Steelers will rely on Rowe, Miles Killebrew, and cornerback Patrick Peterson at safety.
Elijah Riley (ankle) is listed as questionable for the game, but he could return from Injured Reserve to join the team.
Rowe, a second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, has played in 100 NFL games, including 56 starts. He started six games for the Miami Dolphins last season.
At linebacker, Jack will make his first active defense appearance since joining the practice squad late last season. The veteran announced his retirement at the start of the season, but returned to the Steelers after Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander were injured.
This week’s team will include Jack, Elandon Roberts, Mykal Walker, Blake Martinez, and Mark Robinson. As Pittsburgh continues to look for their best insider backer among Jack, Walker, Martinez, and Robinson, Jack could get his first start of the season next to Roberts.
