The Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday activated defensive tackle Montravius Adams from injured reserve, providing an extra needed option from a position group that will not have starter Larry Ogunjobi available for Sunday’s game at the Philadelphia Eagles.
Adams has not played since suffering a meniscus injury in is left knee during an Oct. 20 win against the New York Jets. Adams returned to practice two weeks ago and by rule had to be activated by next week or would be lost for the season.
Adams, an eight-year NFL veteran, began the season as the top backup on a defensive line that starts Cameron Heyward, Ogunjobi and Keeanu Benton.
Ogunjobi will miss Sunday’s game because of a groin injury suffered during last week’s win against the Cleveland Browns. Without him, the only healthy defensive linemen on the 53-man roster are Heyward, Benton, Adams, Dean Lowry and Isaiahh Loudermilk.
The Eagles run the ball more than any team in the NFL and also lead the league in rushing yards, meaning the Steelers potentially will play in sets with three defensive linemen more often this week than typically would.
Adams takes the spot on the active roster of reserve offensive lineman Calvin Anderson, who was placed on injured reserve. Anderson has appeared in four games for the Steelers this season. He was added to the league-mandated injury report Friday because of a groin ailment.
