Steelers bolster defense by re-signing DeMarvin Leal ahead of Patriots matchup
In a strategic move to address their growing injury concerns, the Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed defensive end DeMarvin Leal to their active roster. This decision comes just days before a crucial Week 3 clash against the New England Patriots, as the team grapples with several key injuries on the defensive front.
The Steelers confirmed the addition of Leal to the 53-man roster while placing Isaiahh Loudermilk on the reserve/injured list due to a high ankle sprain sustained during the previous week’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Loudermilk’s absence will be felt for at least the next four weeks, creating an immediate opportunity for Leal to step into a significant role.
Leal’s Journey Back to the Active Roster
Leal, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, was initially a notable loss for the Steelers when he was released during final roster cuts in August. Despite not being claimed by another team, he returned to Pittsburgh, signing onto the practice squad. Although he wasn’t elevated for the first two games of the season, the current injury situation has opened the door for him to earn valuable playing time.
With outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and defensive lineman Derrick Harmon also uncertain for the game against New England, the Steelers are turning to Leal. His versatility, which has allowed him to play various roles along the defensive line and as an edge rusher, makes him a valuable asset in Mike Tomlin’s defensive scheme.
Past Performance and Future Potential
In his rookie season, Leal appeared in 11 games and made two starts, recording 14 tackles. However, Pro Football Focus rated him with a modest overall grade of 46.0, highlighting areas for improvement, particularly in generating quarterback pressures. In 2023, he logged a sack and 15 tackles over 12 games, accumulating 228 total snaps before a neck injury in October sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
This past summer, Leal transitioned to outside linebacker full-time, a role that ultimately did not secure him a spot on the roster due to fierce competition from established players like T.J. Watt, Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and Jack Sawyer. Now, with a renewed opportunity to contribute, Leal is poised to become a crucial reserve for a Steelers defense in need of depth and resilience.
As the Steelers prepare for their upcoming game, the stakes are high, and Leal’s performance could be pivotal in shaping the outcome against the Patriots. The team’s ability to adapt and fill gaps left by injuries will be essential as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the early stages of the season.
