The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to host the New England Patriots Thursday night in Week 14 of the regular season, and like they’ve done so many times this season, they made a roster move before the game.

With four players being questionable for the game, the moves the Steelers made just hours ahead of the game would give some indication as to who would be available and who would not. It was announced ahead of the 4 PM deadline the team elevated linebacker Kyron Johnson to the Active/Inactive roster from the practice squad as their only move.

We have elevated LB Kyron Johnson to the Active/Inactive roster from the practice squad. @BordasLawhttps://t.co/CTdjenHAdL

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 7, 2023

This is the second-straight game the Steelers have elevated Johnson. While Johnson has been elevated for tonight’s game against the Patriots, he will revert back to the practice squad after the game. Johnson was signed to the practice squad on Oct. 10. Last week he did not play any snaps on defense but did have 13 snaps on special teams.

The elevation of Johnson and not a player such as Myles Jack who would be more equipped to fill-in at the linebacker position rather than just special teams could be an indication as to the availability of Elandon Roberts. Additionally, the Steelers have Blake Martinez who has been inactive the last two weeks but was prepared to play tonight.

Other non-moves by the Steelers tell even more of the picture at other positions. The Steelers did not elevate an offensive lineman which means either Mason Cole or Isaac Seumalo, if not both of them, will be in uniform tonight as the Steelers will need eight linemen dressed in order to have 48 active players.

Additionally, the Steelers did not add quarterback Trace McSorley to the active roster in order to have an emergency third quarterback. A player cannot be elevated from the practice squad in order to fill this position on the inactive list, so McSorley would have had to take the spot of someone else on the roster. Instead, the Steelers will go with just Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph.

One last note is the Steelers did not place quarterback Kenny Pickett on the Reserve/Injured List (IR) prior to the game. By not doing so, Pickett will still be available to return at any time and not have to miss a mandatory four games which would have had him out until Week 18.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they face the Patriots on Thursday Night Football at Acrisure Stadium.