Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line gets huge boost with return of explosive veteran

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 8: Montravius Adams #57 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stands on the sideline during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 8, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Steelers defeated the Falcons 18-10. (Kara Durrette/Getty Images)Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers have activated defensive tackle Montravius Adams from injured reserve to the 53-man roster, they announced on Saturday. Adams has missed the last eight weeks with a torn meniscus.

He revealed that he had surgery on that injury, and while he was on injured reserve, the Steelers helped him fix another ailment. As a result, he feels better than he has even before the injury.

Adams says he still has to pay close attention to his knee to make sure it responds in the necessary way as he returns to the field.

“For me, I’m more of a twitchy guy. So for me, the meniscus affected that,” Adams said. “It’s like the shock absorber to help you get out of those breaks. So, for me, I really had to pay attention to it. Like, I didn’t want to go out here and be out there at all and not feel this. That’s something for me, I have to like really pay attention to because that’s what I’m good at. When we go out there and just practice on the outdoor, I’m good and I’m good the next day. But if we go in the indoor, like, I’m probably gonna be kind of a little weird the next day.”

The Steelers needed Adams because starter Larry Ogunjobi is out with a groin strain. As a result, Adams should start against the Eagles, with Keeanu Benton likely shifting out to where Ogunjobi had played. In an effort to slow down star running back Saquon Barkley, Adams will need to play at a high level.