The Steelers made multiple roster moves today, including activating linebacker Tyler Matakevich and receiver Ben Skowronek from the Reserve/Injured List to the 53-man roster. To make room for them on the roster, the team released safety Terrell Edmunds and running back Jonathan Ward.
Matakevich was placed on the Reserve/Injured List after suffering a hamstring injury against the Denver Broncos in Week 2, while Skowronek was placed on the list after that game as well. Matakevich returned to practice on Oct. 24, while Skowronek returned on Nov. 6, and the Steelers had a 21-day window to either active them to the 53-man roster, or they would have had to remain on the Reserve/Injured List all season.
Matakevich, who recorded two special teams tackles this season prior to his injury, indicated when he returned to practice how good he felt, and also said how much he has missed being on the field.
"I was definitely losing it a little bit towards the end, missing being out there and all the guys having fun, making plays. It just feels great to be back," said Matakevich. "You definitely get that itch. You feel like, I've got to get back out there. Just watching those guys fly around and just making plays, it doesn't do anything but put a smile on my face because that's what I love doing."
Matakevich, who was selected by the Steelers in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft, signed a one-year contract with the Steelers in mid-July. He spent his first four seasons in the NFL in Pittsburgh and the last four seasons with the Buffalo Bills.
For his career, Matakevich has appeared in 131 games, starting one. He has 134 career tackles, including 97 solo stops, four passes defensed and one interception.
Skowronek began the season on the practice squad and was elevated for the Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons and Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. He was placed on the Reserve/Injured List on Sept. 18.
Skowronek was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the 249th overall pick. He appeared in 45 games for the Rams, starting 12, while pulling in 58 receptions for 575 yards.
He was traded to the Houston Texans this offseason.
He played college football at Northwestern, before transferring to Notre Dame for his final college season. While at Notre Dame he played in 11 games, finishing with 29 receptions for 439 yards and five touchdowns. Two of those touchdowns came against the University of Pittsburgh at Acrisure Stadium, when he finished the game with two receptions for 107 yards, both touchdowns, one for 34 yards and a 73-yarder.
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