Steelers Get NT Montravius Adams Back from COVID-19 List

The Pittsburgh Steelers got a big boost to their defensive line on Friday, as the team returned nose tackle Montravius Adams Sr. from the COVID-19 list.

Adams missed the team’s Week 15 game against the Tennessee Titans while on the list, but should be expected to slot back into the starting nose tackle role, assuming he is able to practice on Friday.

The Steelers signed Adams from the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad before the Steelers’ Week 13 game against Baltimore and immediately slotted him into the starting lineup. 

Adams started two games, making four tackles, one for a loss, defending one pass and recording two quarterback hits while playing about half of the team’s defensive snaps. Without Adams against the Titans, end Henry Mondeaux started the game at nose tackle.

The defensive line has been a struggle for the Steelers all season, as end Stephon Tuitt has missed the entire season with a knee injury, nose tackle Tyson Alualu has been out since the first game of the season and backup Carlos Davis missed 13 weeks with a knee injury.

End Chris Wormley injured his groin against the Titans and tackle Isaiah Buggs is on the COVID-19 list, so Adams will join Davis, Mondeaux, starting end Cam Heyward and rookie Isaiahh Loudermilk as the Steelers’ available defensive linemen against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Five Steelers remain on the COVID-19 list after Adams’ activation: Buggs, inside linebackers Marcus Allen and Devin Bush, tackle Zach Banner and running back Anthony McFarland Jr. Practice squad guard Malcolm Pridgeon is also on the list. There is some hope that Banner, Allen and Bush could return before Sunday’s game.