Steelers Bolster Defense with Ja’Whaun Bentley
The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken steps to strengthen their defense after two weeks of underperforming. The team announced the addition of linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley to their practice squad, preparing for the upcoming match against the New England Patriots.
Bentley, who was Patriots captain on three occasions, was released by the team in March after seven years. During his time in New England, he accumulated 509 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 29 quarterback hits in 83 NFL games. His 2024 season was cut short by a left pectoral injury, but previously, Bentley had recorded over 100 tackles in each of the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons, reaching his personal best with 122 in 2022. Bentley came to the Patriots as a fifth-round draft pick in 2018, being the first player to be captain three times in Boilermakers history.
The arrival of Bentley could be key to improving the defense against the Steelers’ run, which currently ranks 28th in the league, allowing 149.5 yards per game and 22nd in terms of yards per carry, with 4.4. According to NFL data, the Steelers have recorded the highest rate of missed tackles in the league, with 18.2% in the first two weeks of the season.
Bentley joins Jabrill Peppers, another former Patriots player, who was signed by the Steelers on September 9. Peppers, however, did not participate in defensive plays in last Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
The injury situation on the team could give more opportunities to these ex-Patriots this week, as the Steelers face another game with several players on the injured list.
Inside linebacker Patrick Queen (oblique) and cornerback Darius Slay (shoulder) could be limited in practice, but are expected to play. On the other hand, DeShon Elliott, cornerback Joey Porter Jr., and defensive lineman Derrick Harmon are considered “doubtful,” according to coach Mike Tomlin. In addition, the Steelers ruled out defensive end Alex Highsmith (ankle) and placed defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk (ankle) on the injured reserve list.
In response to these losses, the team added defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal, selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2022 draft, to the active roster from the practice squad.
The Steelers also made moves on offense by adding wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins to the practice squad after a tryout on Tuesday. Hodgins, a former sixth-round pick of the Bills, spent most of the last three seasons with the New York Giants, including nine starts in 2023.
In four seasons, Hodgins had 60 receptions and seven touchdowns. He spent most of the 2024 season on the Giants’ practice squad and caught two passes in three games.
Finally, the Steelers also added tight end Matt Sokol to the practice squad. To make room, they released tight end JJ Galbreath and wide receiver Rakim Jarrett.
