Steelers notes: Myles Jack ready to step back in at ILB, T.J. Watt leads AFC OLB Pro Bowl voting

Myles Jack looks back at his experience with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, and he doesn’t believe it’s representative of his play or abilities.

“I was pushing through a lot of things last year,” Jack said, referencing a nagging groin injury, “and that’s probably a bad habit of mine. I’ve done that a couple times in my career. But definitely last year I was not 100%. This year, I’ve had plenty of rest, so I feel really good.”

That’s good news for the Steelers, who are expected to rely on Jack to make his 2023 season debut for Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers are reeling at inside linebacker, having lost co-starters Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb for the season and tacitly expressing dissatisfaction with the play of fill-ins Mykal Walker, Mark Robinson and Blake Martinez.

Jack in August announced his retirement after seven NFL seasons, the first six with the Jacksonville Jaguars before spending 2022 in Pittsburgh.

“I was fully 100% committed to being retired and doing pedestrian stuff,” said Jack, who signed to the Steelers’ practice squad Nov. 20. “So the fact that I am even here is a blessing from God. The Steelers called me. They could have called anybody in the world, but they called me. So I just thank God, and I am glad that I am here and I’m definitely ready to contribute.”

Jack was mentioned by coach Mike Tomlin as a likely practice-squad elevation for Saturday’s game. The Steelers have Elandon Roberts at inside linebacker but have tried several others. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin left it open whether Jack or Martinez or perhaps Walker would play the most snaps aside from Roberts.

Regardless, it sounds as if Jack will appear in an NFL game of consequence for the first time since last season’s regular-season finale.

“Definitely good to be back,” Jack said. “Excited. Looking forward to just running out of the tunnel with my teammates. When my number is called, I’ll just be looking to get active and get back to it.”

Watt leads voting

T.J. Watt continues to lead all fan voting among AFC outside linebackers for the Pro Bowl Games. Balloting concludes Christmas Day, with rosters announced Jan. 3.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa continues to lead all players in fan voting. No Steelers are among the top five overall vote-getters, and Watt is the only Steelers player who leads at his position.

The NFL has dropped its game format for the Pro Bowl and instead conducts a multi-day competition in various events pitting AFC vs. NFC players. This year’s Pro Bowl Games are in Orlando and culminate Feb. 4, the Sunday between the conference championship games and Super Bowl.

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