Steelers Activate Robert Spillane, Matt Feiler from IR

The Pittsburgh Steelers have activated lineback Robert Spillane and guard Matt Feiler to the 53-man roster from injured reserve ahead of their first round playoff matchup with the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Spillane has missed the last four games with a knee injury, while Feiler has sat three games fighting a pectoral injury. The Steelers had 21 days to activate either after they began practicing earlier this week  

Spillane has made seven starts this season, replacing starting inside linebacker Devin Bush after he suffered his torn ACL. He has 43 tackles, four passes defended, four tackles-for-loss, two sacks, a fumble recovery and a pick-six on the year.

Feiler started the first 13 games for the Steelers before suffering his pectoral injury. He was placed on injured reserve Dec. 14.

Spillane has been replaced by Avery Williamson in the starting lineup, while rookie Kevin Dotson has subbed in for Feiler.

The Steelers made two additional transactions as well Saturday, elevating tight end Kevin Rader to the roster from the practice squad and waiving linebacker Tegray Scales.

Rader saw action in the Steelers’ Week 17 loss to the Brown, making a three tackles on special teams.

Scales was signed and elevated to make up for the Steelers depth issues at linebacker over recent weeks, but appears to no longer be needed with Spillane’s return.