Head coach Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers activated edge rusher Jeremiah Moon and promoted wide receiver Brandon Johnson and running back Jonathan Ward from the practice squad ahead of Week 5.
With Alex Highsmith sidelined for the Steelers’ Week 5 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, fellow edge rusher Jeremiah Moon will take the field.
The Steelers confirmed Moon’s activation to the 53-man Roster on October 6. He had spent the first four weeks of the season on injured reserve due to an ankle injury.
While Moon is listed as questionable on the Steelers’ official injury report, he fully participated in practice throughout the week. His activation indicates the team is confident in his availability.
Moon will join the Steelers’ edge rushers, which includes T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig, for the October 7 game.
In addition to Moon’s activation, the Steelers elevated wide receiver Brandon Johnson and running back Jonathan Ward from the practice squad. Both players, especially Ward, are expected to provide depth in Week 5 at key offensive positions weakened by recent injuries.
LB Jeremiah Moon Set for Steelers Debut
With Highsmith nursing a groin injury and missing his second straight game, Moon’s return could be vital for Week 5.
Last week against the Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers struggled to apply pressure without Highsmith. Watt faced constant double-teams, and Pittsburgh’s depth at edge rusher was thin.
Herbig also left the game against the Colts with an ankle injury, further limiting the Steelers’ pass rush.
While Moon won’t completely fill Highsmith’s shoes, his return, along with Herbig’s expected availability, gives the Steelers three active edge rushers against the Cowboys, similar to their first three games. Herbig is not listed on the injury report for Week 5.
Moon, originally an undrafted free agent for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, was claimed off waivers by the Steelers after the Ravens released him to make room for tight end Mark Andrews before the AFC Championship Game.
In eight games with the Ravens in 2023, Moon recorded 12 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 2 forced fumbles in 99 defensive snaps. He also contributed on special teams, logging 142 snaps.
Moon had been sidelined with his ankle injury since Week 2 of the preseason. The Steelers opened his practice window on October 2, giving them 21 days to Activate him before he would have to stay on injured reserve for the season. It only took three days for him to be ready to join the active roster.
Steelers Elevate WR Brandon Johnson, RB Jonathan Ward
While Moon strengthens the defense, Johnson and Ward will bolster the offense in Week 5. Ward, in particular, may play a crucial role.
Both Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson are out with injuries, leaving only starter Najee Harris and newly-signed Aaron Shampklin as available running backs on Pittsburgh’s active roster.
Harris has shouldered the bulk of the backfield workload in previous seasons, and he’s likely to see significant playing time on October 7.
Shampklin, who made his NFL debut on September 29, will be playing in just his second game. He had 1 carry for 5 yards in his first appearance.
Ward brings more experience, having appeared in 42 NFL games over four seasons, primarily on special teams. Last year with the Arizona Cardinals, he rushed for 11 yards on 3 carries.
Johnson, meanwhile, is expected to add depth to the wide receiver corps. In 13 games with the Denver Broncos last season, he tallied 19 receptions for 284 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Steelers’ active roster for Week 5 could feature up to five other wide receivers besides Johnson. However, rookie Roman Wilson was a healthy scratch in Week 4.
The Steelers also have George Pickens, Calvin Austin II, Van Jefferson, and Scotty Miller available at wideout for the game.
