Pittsburgh Steelers make several changes to the roster, put DT on IR

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a number of roster moves, including placing defensive tackle Bredien Fehoko on the injured list, according to NFL.com. The team also released linebacker Easton Gibbs, just days after signing him.

The Steelers acquired inside linebacker Easton Gibbs from Wyoming as an undrafted free agent after linebacker Tyler Murray was released due to injury. Now, after their season opener against the Houston Texnas, they have decided to move on.

As for Fehoko, the veteran nose tackle injured his shoulder during the week of practice and did not return. Shortly after the season opener against the Houston Texans, the team decided to hold him out of action for the rest of the season.

Fehoko could be released on an injury settlement, but after he spent last season on the team’s practice squad and was elevated to the active roster during Cam Heyward’s injury, they could decide to keep him for the full season.

To replace Fehoko, the team signed defensive tackle Marquiss Spencer and linebacker Luquay Washington.

Spencer and Washington trained with the Steelers that summer, but neither signed at that time.

Washington is expected to replace Gibbs. The undrafted free agent from Central Connecticut State is 6’1″ and 235 pounds. The Steelers are still without Cole Holcomb and could open up a spot on special teams depending on their opinion of Mark Robinson. They typically keep five players at that position during the regular season.

Spencer will step in as nose tackle. With Fehoko out, the team relied on rookie Logan Lee as the third nose tackle in the season opener. Lee is a natural defensive tackle and may be a little undersized for the nose position. Spencer has the opportunity to show why he should at least be on the practice squad to provide more depth.

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