Tyler

Matakevich

The Steelers frequently utilize both two- and three-tight end snaps so Pruitt’s injury may somewhat alter their game plans moving forward. Though the Steelers’ run-heavy play-calling can frustrate fantasy managers, Pruitt is a bullying blocker and his potential absence could be felt, if slightly. Among 65 NFL tight ends with at least 35 offensive snaps, Pruitt’s 63.2 PFF run-blocking grade ranks 13th. LB Tyler Matakevich also suffered a hamstring injury.

It’s a homecoming for Matakevich, who spent the first four years of his career with the Steelers (2016-2019) after being drafted by them in the seventh round. Matakevich has played in 129 games over his career, contributing primarily on special teams. He’s started just one game on defense and has never totaled more than 23 tackles in a season.

Miller was a candidate for the PUP list all along as he looks to recover from a torn ACL suffered in late November. The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia said back in May that Miller was “in jeopardy” of missing the start of the season, which makes this something to monitor throughout camp. In addition to Miller, the Bills also placed linebacker Tyler Matakevich and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips on the PUP list. All players are eligible to come off the list at any time.

Originality believed to be a two-year deal, the contract is actually a one-year deal with a void year in 2024. Serving primarily on special teams and as added linebacker depth, Matakevich has spent the last three years with the Bills and is now locked in through 2024. Matakevich has totaled 48 tackles, two passes defended, and one interception with the Bills since joining the team.

Matakevich, who recorded 23 tackles for Buffalo in 2020, has been durable, playing 16 games in four of his five pro seasons. He’ll continue to serve as linebacker depth for the Bills defense in 2021.

Matakevich is a core special teamer. It is some unusual housekeeping for the opening day of free agency, but if you value a player, you value a player. Matakevich played only 19 snaps on defense last season.

Pittsburgh’s special teams captain last year, 27-year-old Matakevich played at least 60 percent of the team’s special teams snap in all four seasons with the Steelers. His signing likely indicates Julian Stanford’s departure from that same role in free agency.

Matakevich repped with the starters throughout the offseason. An undersized college producer, Matakevich has been limited to special teams his first two seasons, but only needs to beat out Jon Bostic to replace Ryan Shazier. It’s a potential weak spot in Pittsburgh’s defense.

Matakevich was a productive college player for Temple, but is under-sized (6-foot-0) with sub-par athleticism. He’s a hustle and motor player, one who will focus on special teams this summer.

Matakevich (6'0/238) was a decorated college linebacker, earning the Nagurski and Bednarik Awards as a senior in addition to American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He piled up 40 career tackles for loss with seven sacks, seven interceptions, and four forced fumbles. Matakevich was exposed as a sub-par athlete in Indy, running 4.81 with a 31-inch vertical and 9-foot-4 broad jump. A “heart and soul” player whose game is built on aggressive relentlessness, Matakevich’s size and speed deficiencies may limit him to special teams. His ceiling is probably a smaller version of A.J. Hawk.