Steelers Get Two Players Back From IR Ahead of Matchup with Commanders

The Pittsburgh Steelers have played their way to a 6-2 record and first place in the AFC North. This is impressive, especially considering the number of injuries to key players the team has dealt with early in the season. Starting quarterback Russell Wilson is finally healthy and continues to impress on the field, leading the Steelers to wins.

And now, as Pittsburgh prepares for a matchup with the suddenly resurgent Washington Commanders, they’ll return two players from injured reserve. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich and wideout Ben Skowronek were activated from the reserve/injured list on Saturday.

Both players participated fully in practice all week and do not show a game designation for Sunday, meaning they’ll be available to play. Matakevich injured his hamstring in Week 2 against the Broncos, but after his 21-day practice window was opened during Week 8, he’s now healed and 100 percent for the Commanders.

The Temple Owl returned to Pittsburgh after four seasons in Buffalo. Matakevich was originally a seventh-round pick of the Steelers in 2016 before leaving for the Bills in free agency ahead of the 2020 season. Skowronek signed to the Steelers’ practice squad in late August after being waived by the Houston Texans. He was moved to the active roster on Sept. 17 and then immediately moved to injured reserve after a shoulder injury.

In a corresponding move, safety Terrell Edmunds and running back Jonathan Ward were both released to make room on the roster.