The Pittsburgh Steelers have made multiple roster moves Tuesday afternoon ahead of their week of preparation for their home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. The Steelers have placed linebacker Tyler Matakevich on the Reserve/Injured List (IR) and have swapped out two players on the practice squad, including former Steelers cornerback James Pierre.

We have placed LB Tyler Matakevich on the Reserve/Injured List, signed CB James Pierre and DB D’Shawn Jamison to the practice squad, and terminated CB Zyon Gilbert and WR Shaquan Davis from the practice squad. @BordasLaw https://t.co/SMSA6xaScc

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 17, 2024

Originally drafted by the Steelers in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL draft out of Temple, Matakevich played four years in Pittsburgh before spending the last four years in Buffalo. Added to the Steelers roster just before training camp, Matakevich had two tackles in 36 special team snaps over the Steelers first two games while he did not appear on defense.

At Tuesday’s press conference, Coach Tomlin left the light on for Matakevich to get back on the field Sunday if he would be able to practice by the end of the week. Tomlin admitted Matakevich was being evaluated at that time during the press conference. Apparently his hamstring injury is enough to keep him out for at least the next four games.

The Steelers also added cornerback James Pierre and defensive back D’Shawn Jamison to the practice squad as they released wide receiver Shaquan Davis and cornerback Zyon Gilbert.

Pierre spent the last four seasons with the Steelers after making the team in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic. In four seasons in Pittsburgh, Pierre played over 900 special team snaps and over 700 snaps on defense. Before the 2024 season, Pierre signed with the Washington Commanders but did not make the 53-man roster.

Pierre is a potential replacement for wide receiver Ben Skorownek who served as a gunner on Steeler special teams the last two games after being elevated from the practice squad. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reported on Tuesday that Skorownek is dealing with a shoulder injury. Since he is not on the 53-man roster,Skorownek will not show up on an injury report this week with the Steelers. If he is unable to go, the chances of Pierre being elevated from the practice squad to fill the gunner roll significantly increase.

As for D’Shawn Jamison, he was an undrafted free agent of the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 out of Texas but did not make their 53-man roster. Jamison was claimed by the Carolina Panthers where he appeared in 15 games with 155 special team snaps and 107 defensive snaps last season.

Stay tuned to Steel Curtain Network’s continued breakdown of the Steelers Week 2 win over the Broncos in Denver as well as their preparations for the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.