Latrobe, Pennsylvania Following practice on Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers are without two outside linebackers. During the team’s second padded practice, veteran Kyron Johnson and second-year player David Perales were hurt.
Perales is reportedly struggling with a knee injury, according to head coach Mike Tomlin, while Johnson had to be withdrawn due to hamstring discomfort that developed at the conclusion of practice.
David Perales is undergoing evaluation for a knee issue. We had to remove Kyron Johnson since his hamstring became a little tight. Several more bruises and bumps from play. That time of year is here. Regretfully, it is only a part of team building. We’ll take care of it. As Tomlin put it, “One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity.”
As an undrafted free agent, Perales joined the Steelers. Johnson, on the other hand, began the season with the team as a member of their practice squad and finally made appearances on special teams. But if Perales and Johnson miss time, this gives Jeremiah Moon a chance to seize control of the OLB4 position.
“[Jeremiah] Moon has been doing great and has given me a lot to work with. I’m kind of happy with Moon since he uses his hands and has pretty good length. Defense coordinator Teryl Austin remarked, “I like what Moon is doing. You don’t know a lot about him; we got him late last year, so you’re finding out about him in pads.”
Before tomorrow’s practice, the Steelers will surely try to acquire an outside linebacker if Johnson and Perales are both forced to miss time. Moon and Julius Welschof stand to gain the most from additional snaps in the meantime, and both made the most of them during Wednesday’s practice. With one remaining outside linebacker place, the Steelers will prioritize special teams skills even more than pass rush ability. Therefore, whatever opportunities these players get will increase the likelihood that they will be selected.
