Steelers Re-sign Former LB After T.J. Watt Injury
The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing back a familiar face to bolster their outside linebacker depth ahead of their Week 16 matchup with the Detroit Lions.
According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, the Steelers are signing outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon to their 53-man roster from the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad.
With both T.J. Watt (lung) and Nick Herbig (hamstring) listed as non-participants on the Steelers’ first injury report of the week, Moon could be called upon to play a role in Sunday’s game against Detroit.
Moon’s Previous Stint with the Steelers
The Steelers initially claimed Moon off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens in January 2024. He started last season on the reserve/injured list but was activated in early October. Moon appeared in 13 games for Pittsburgh, recording nine tackles over 333 defensive snaps. In March, he re-signed with the Steelers on a one-year deal worth $1.03 million.
However, during a training camp session in July, Moon suffered a calf injury and was waived from the injured reserve. Later, the Carolina Panthers signed him to their practice squad in October, and he played in one game for them.
Moon’s Potential Role with the Steelers
With Watt and Herbig both uncertain for this weekend’s game against the Lions, the Steelers were in need of outside linebacker depth. Alex Highsmith and Jack Sawyer are the only two healthy outside linebackers on Pittsburgh’s 53-man roster, so adding Moon makes sense.
While the Steelers also have Kana’i Mauga and Julius Welschof on the practice squad, Moon seems poised to have a chance to contribute before either of them.
In 117 defensive snaps for the Steelers last season, Moon registered two pressures but no sacks, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). During his brief stint with the Ravens in 2023, he recorded one pressure across 102 defensive snaps.
If Watt and Herbig are sidelined, Highsmith and Sawyer will likely handle the bulk of the pass-rushing duties, but Moon brings experience to the table and could contribute as a rotational player. Even if he doesn’t make a major impact on defense, Moon has the potential to contribute on special teams, where he’s been involved in multiple roles such as kick coverage, punt return, and field goal blocking under special teams coordinator Danny Smith.
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