Steelers vs Cardinals: Pittsburgh elevates LB Kyron Johnson to active roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers have elevated outside linebacker Kyron Johnson to the active roster for this week’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. Johnson spoke to the media this week and said he expects to play on special teams this week and could play on defense if the team needs him.

Johnson is a former sixth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. Pittsburgh signed Johnson to the practice squad in early October and he’s had a great opportunity to work with outside linebackers like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith since joining the team.

One of the reasons Johnson is getting the nod this week is that the team cannot elevate linebacker Tariq Carpenter without signing him to the 53-man roster for the rest of the season. Elevating Johnson gets them a player and will allow them to move him back to the practice squad after this week’s game.