The Pittsburgh Steelers have not had it easy with inside linebackers the past few years. After a disappointing 2022 season, a total revamp, and then a slew of injuries in 2023, things don't seem to be getting any easier. Now there is the possibility that a former player might be willing to come back and help out.
Joshua Gunter / cleveland.com
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Devin Bush injured, on the sideline, this injury would change his career forever.
Former Steelers linebacker Myles Jack appears to be poised for a return to the team. Jack, who played for Pittsburgh in 2022 after six seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars is back on the market. After being released by the Steelers in March of 2023, he announced his retirement and said he planned to return to trade school. Then the Philadelphia Eagles signed him a few days later. Now the Eagles have released him and there appears to be interest on both sides.
The potential signing was announced by Ian Rapoport from NFL Network on X (formally known as Twitter). It seems likely the Steelers will leap at the opportunity to bring back a player who knows their system.
"Reunion? The Steelers and LB Myles Jack have mutual interest in Jack rejoining the team's practice squad now that he's cleared waivers, sources say. With the injury to Kwon Alexander, and Jack un-retiring, worth keeping an eye on," said Rapoport via X.
Kwon Alexander isn't the only missing linebacker in Black and Gold. Cole Holcomb also suffered a season-ending injury earlier in the year. This is opening the door for Jack who had 104 tackles and three passes defended in his 15 games with 13 starts in the Steel City.
The Steelers Are Nearing Desperation At Inside Linebacker
The depth chart in 2022 included Jack, as well as Devin Bush and Robert Spillane. Bush, who never seemed to recover from an earlier knee injury, was unable to make the big plays that the Steelers needed to be successful.
Tony Wagner / WKRC
Steelers' Tyler Murray went from an Amazon warehouse to a Pittsburgh practice squad.
The Steelers have also added Mykal Walker and Tariq Carpenter to the roster. They both should be available for the Week 11 game against the Cleveland Browns. They will join the only other inside linebackers currently on the roster, Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson.
They have also added Tyler Murray to the practice squad. Murray's story made headlines earlier this week when he was plucked from an Amazon warehouse to come and work out in Pittsburgh. He is getting another shot at his dream after being released by the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this season.
Jack will need some time to get up to speed and back into game shape, so time on the practice squad will serve him well. However, at this point of the season, more than halfway through, the Steelers are nearing the point of having to settle for warm bodies. Jack is certainly better than that.
After being drafted 36th overall in 2016 by the Jaguars, Jack spent seven seasons in the NFL. He racked up 617 tackles, three interceptions, and 6.5 sacks.
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Mykal Walker in his Falcons uniform during a game.
The Steelers need to get some consistency going at linebacker if they plan to be able to make it to the playoffs, despite a rocky and inconsistent start to the season.
What do you think about Jack returning to the Steelers? Did you think he was a good fit when he was here? Click to comment below.
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