Former Steelers LB Tyler Matakevich ‘Jacked up’ for Playoff Game against Former Team
The Steelers and Bills will see each other in a physical game that projects to have terrible weather. But for two teams so culturally similar and used to this weather, this game should fit their identities well. Former Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich has seen both sides of the coin in both organizations. But he’s amped up to face his former team on a big stage in the playoffs.
“I’m so excited, man. You know, I’m so jacked up,” Matakevich said on the Zach Gelb Show. “They gave me the opportunity to play in the league. They drafted me, seventh round. Never forget it. I remember it like it was yesterday. I’m just forever grateful and appreciative of the Rooneys and Mike and Kevin Colbert, who was there at the time. Danny Smith, all those guys for really giving me the opportunity to just show the world what I can do. It’s definitely going to be a special day for me.”
Matakevich has played with the Bills since 2020 as a core member of their special teams unit. He could even some more playing time if Tyrel Dodson does not play with a shoulder injury. Though, the Bills have a hefty chest of players at linebacker to work with even if Dodson is out.
This is not like the Devin Bush game against Seattle, where there was revenge talking and brewing. Instead, this is one of admiration and respect. It’s on a bigger stage, too, though that game in Seattle was essentially a playoff game for the Steelers.
The Bills signed veteran linebacker A.J. Klein to their practice squad on Thursday to help with the potential injury. Klein is a veteran with plenty of experience with the Bills. He played in two games for the team earlier this season, but joined the team in 2020, starting 16 games over the last few seasons for them. Since joining the NFL in 2013, Klein has started 82 games.
Terrel Bernard has played well for the Bills next to Dodson, who is filling in for the injured Matt Milano. If Dodson can not play, Klein will likely see some action along with Dorian Williams, Baylon Spector, and maybe even Matakevich.
Regardless, the Steelers and Matakevich will likely have a friendly reunion before competing against one another in a huge playoff game on Sunday.
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