Steelers promote Johnny Johnny Holton from the practice squad, release Tuzar Skipper

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a transaction on Saturday at the 4 PM deadline to adjust the roster heading into Week 1 against the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football. The Steelers announced they have promoted WR Johnny Holton from the practice squad and released OLB Tuzar Skipper.

Holton was the final player signed to the Steelers practice squad earlier this week. With the Steelers only having five wide receivers on the roster, a move to add a sixth it’s not a sign of any problems with the roster. The timing of the move is quite curious as the team has already made its preparations for their game on Sunday.

It would be a curious move for the Steelers if Holden we’re not active for the game on Sunday night. Unlikely to dress six wide receivers, a player such as rookie Diontae Johnson may not get a helmet against the Patriots in Foxborough.

Holton had his moments in the preseason, both positive and negative. Catching a touchdown in the final preseason game and a very long pass in Week 1, Holton appeared to make a solid case for making the roster. But lackluster performances in the middle two games kept him off the initial 53-man roster as he struggled several times to keep both feet in bounds to make receptions.

Holton will most likely see the majority of his snaps on special teams rather than on offense.

To make room on the roster, the Steelers released rookie Tuzar Skipper. With the move coming so late in the week, a waiver claim for Skipper would be less likely as teams have their rosters set going into their games on Sunday. With this in mind, look for Skipper to hopefully clear waivers in order for the Steelers to add him to the practice squad.

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