Logo

Amid an Injury Storm, Steelers Bolster Their Roster With a Linebacker Boasting 163 Career Tackles — And a Panthers Reunion That Could Mean More Than Just a Contract

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – December 18, 2025

As the NFL season enters its most unforgiving stretch, the Pittsburgh Steelers are feeling the full weight of December. Injuries have spread across the roster, depth has been tested, and the pressure to maintain position in the playoff race has forced the organization to make swift but calculated decisions. In that context, the Steelers quietly reinforced their defense by bringing in a veteran linebacker from the Carolina Panthers — a reunion that carries more meaning than what appears on paper.

The move comes at a moment when Pittsburgh’s defense has been hit hard, particularly following the serious injury to T.J. Watt. Losing a cornerstone defender has impacted more than just pass rush production; it has created ripple effects in rotation management and special teams responsibilities. Rather than chasing a headline-grabbing name, the Steelers opted for a practical solution — a player who can step onto the field immediately and meet the demands of the moment.

Article image

The linebacker the Steelers added brings 163 career tackles, a number that may not dominate headlines but accurately reflects the type of player Pittsburgh needs right now: durable, disciplined, and accustomed to constant physicality. More importantly, he is not an unfamiliar face. Having previously spent time with the Steelers, he understands the system, the locker room, and the standards that are deeply embedded in the organization’s culture.

From a coaching standpoint, the true value of the reunion lies in its ability to stabilize the roster during a turbulent stretch. With several players who typically anchor special teams being forced into starting roles due to mounting injuries, Pittsburgh needed someone who could fill gaps without requiring a learning curve. It is the kind of addition that doesn’t generate splashy headlines, but prevents a team from unraveling in critical details.

Head coach Mike Tomlin was direct about the necessity of the move at this stage of the season.

“At this point in the season, you’re not searching for perfection,” Tomlin said. “You need people who can step into the lineup and help the team stay on its feet immediately. He has the talent to play, the leadership to guide, and the understanding of our system to carry what the situation is asking of him.”

That player is Jeremiah Moon, a linebacker whose familiarity with Pittsburgh’s environment and willingness to embrace unglamorous roles make him a natural fit in this moment. Moon may not arrive with fanfare, but his return provides the Steelers with exactly what they need as the margin for error continues to shrink.

With a demanding schedule ahead and physically imposing opponents looming, depth and resilience will be decisive factors for Pittsburgh down the stretch. The reunion with Jeremiah Moon may not swing a game in a single moment. But for the Steelers, it represents the type of move that helps a team remain upright in the middle of an injury storm — and in a season this punishing, that stability can be the difference.

Zelensky Accuses Russia of Supplying Suicide Drones to Iran
  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of supplying Iran with Shahed-style suicide drones, which are reportedly being used by Tehran to target U.S. bases and neighboring countries in the Middle East. However, Zelensky has not provided concrete evidence to support these claims. In an interview released by CNN on March 14, Zelensky stated, "I have 100% accurate information that Iran is using this type of UAV to target U.S. bases and neighboring countries in the Middle East." The Shahed drones, originally produced by Russia after receiving a license from Iran, have been implicated in attacks on U.S. and allied military installations in the region. Zelensky further claimed that Russia is also providing intelligence support to Iran's attacks. "Russia's position is that if Washington and Europe are helping Kyiv with intelligence, Moscow can similarly support Tehran," Zelensky added. Despite these bold assertions, the Ukrainian president did not present any direct evidence to substantiate his claims. Neither Russia nor Iran has officially commented on these allegations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on March 14 that Iran is "militarily cooperating" with both Russia and China, though he did not provide further details. Earlier reports from The Washington Post cited sources indicating that Russia had provided Iran with intelligence on the location of U.S. military assets in the Middle East. This alleged support is believed to have helped Tehran successfully target a range of high-value targets in the region, including radar systems valued between $500 million to over a billion dollars. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated on March 10 that Russia has denied sharing intelligence with Iran, affirming that Washington "can trust" Moscow's statements. Shahed drones, developed by Iran, come in various models and have been a key part of Iran's military capabilities. Iran reportedly supplied several Shahed-136 drones to Russia, granting Moscow a license to produce them under the name Geran-2. The Geran-2, which weighs about 200 kg and carries a 50 kg warhead, has a range of 2,500 km and is primarily used by Russian forces in long-range strikes against Ukraine. However, it can also be used for tactical strikes near the frontlines if needed. Images of a Geran-2 UAV in flight over Kyiv in December 2025 have highlighted its growing role in the conflict. In late February 2026, after the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iran, Tehran responded by targeting Israel's territory, U.S. bases in the Middle East, and vital energy infrastructure across the Gulf region with both missiles and suicide drones. According to CBS, the early phase of the conflict saw an Iranian drone strike on a U.S. military operations center in Kuwait, resulting in six soldiers' deaths. The specific type of drone used remains unclear. Additionally, a radar system in Qatar, worth approximately $1.1 billion, was damaged in an attack believed to have been carried out by an Iranian suicide drone. The growing use of these drones by Iran, particularly with alleged Russian support, has further escalated tensions in the Middle East, adding to the already volatile situation between the U.S., Iran, and their respective allies.