Steelers’ New Signing Paints Gloomy Picture For Key Special Teams Players’ Injuries

The Pittsburgh Steelers' special teams unit has been crucial thus far in the 2024 season. Aside from Chris Boswell already being a perfect eight for eight on field goals, the coverage on punts and kickoffs has been ideal. A big reason for that has been a pair of late additions to the roster in Tyler Matakevich and Ben Skowronek. Matakevich was brought back to Pittsburgh shortly before the start of training camp, and Skowronek was signed to the practice squad before the season opener.

Skowronek has assumed one of the gunner positions on Pittsburgh's punt team, and has done a good job so far. He is still on the practice squad, but was elevated for each of the team's first two games. He has performed well as he has been involved in a few tackles and also drew two penalties during the Week 2 victory. Unfortunately, the veteran suffered a shoulder injury in the game and Matakevich also suffered a hamstring injury. Pittsburgh signed former cornerback James Pierre to the practice squad in a move that may be related.

It seems as though Pierre's agent spoke about the Steelers saying Pierre should be able to make a quick impact on special teams, doesn't sound good for either Matakevich or Skowronek. Pierre would most likely be able to fill in for Skowronek at the gunner position, so this signing may be a sign that Skowronek's shoulder injury might be more serious than originally thought. The signing could also just be for overall general depth at corner, as Pierre has experience in Pittsburgh and could probably be elevated and inserted as a backup on defense without missing a beat.

Skowronek also has plenty of experience playing offense. During his time with the Los Angeles Rams, he was used as a wide receiver, tight end, and fullback. He is versatile, which is what Head Coach Mike Tomlin looks for in those end-of-the-roster type of guys. Tomlin spoke about the injuries to both Matakevich and Skowronek during his press conference on Tuesday, but didn't give much insight into either player.

"Some injury things to speak of, in-game, Tyler [Matakevich] had a hamstring. I don't have a report on his status as we sit here today, I think he is being evaluated as we speak. And Ben's [Skowronek] got a shoulder, although we've been elevating Ben, he hadn't been on the 53-man roster. I think he had some shoulder discomfort at the end of the game."

Tomlin later said he will see how the guys practice throughout the week to see if they can play. It is also important to note the rules of the practice squad, which state that a player can be elevated to the active roster a maximum of three times. Skowronek has already been elevated twice, past a third elevation, Skowronek would need to be moved to the active roster for good.

Steelers Bringing Back Questionable Defensive Back

Pierre has only ever played for Pittsburgh. The organization signed him as an undrafted free agent after the 2020 NFL Draft, and he was on the active roster from 2020 through 2023. He had a stint with the Washington Commanders, but was released at the end of training camp in 2024. He started six games while with the Steelers, and it is hard to imagine Pittsburgh is bringing him back for any other reason aside from help on special teams.

The team may not want to use one of Skowronek's elevations if he isn't all the way at 100 percent, and Pierre would be able to replace him in all of Skowronek's roles on special teams.

What do you think of the move from the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!

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