Steelers' Safety Option is to Bring Back Tuzar Skipper
The arrest of Anthony Chickillo hasn't defined anything yet. Right now, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of 'what-ifs' but nothing has been set in stone. By Monday morning, they could be looking at a different group of linebackers, including Tuzar Skipper.
If T.J. Watt is unable to play against Miami, the Steelers will be left with Bud Dupree, Ola Adeniyi and, possibly, Anthony Chickillo at outside linebacker. If the team decides to discipline Chickillo for domestic dispute arrest on Sunday, it'll leave them with two linebackers in Week 8.
Bringing their attention to the waiver market. Tuesday afternoon, the New York Giants waived outside linebacker, and former Steeler, Tuzar Skipper. Skipper, who spent one week on the Steelers' 53-man roster, was one of the most impressive players of Pittsburgh's offseason, and someone many believed earned a spot on the regular season team.
After the return of Adeniyi, Skipper was released by the Steelers and headed to New York. Now that the team could use a linebacker, the question has returned - do they try to place a claim on the edge rusher?
In four preseason games, Skipper recorded five sacks and two forced fumbles. Easily the biggest standout of the defense, the league noticed the undrafted rookie.
At the time, Pittsburgh didn't have a pressing need for Skipper. With Watt, Dupree and Adeniyi, they only needed to fill one more spot. After signing Chickillo in the offseason, that final position was filled, and Skipper was left on the outside.
That need has grown - exponentially.
The Steelers sit 10th on the waiver list, with New York sitting ahead of them. With a likely chance Skipper slides the nine spots, Pittsburgh's decision could be made for them. If placing the claim works, they'll add depth to a position they desperately need right now. But who do they release?
That answer could be Chickillo, but it may be another option. The Steelers could look to release one of their 'floaters' instead of moving on from Chickillo. With his role on special teams, Pittsburgh may not want to remove him before an investigation of his arrest is complete. That may or may not be done this week, and if it isn't, there's no denying he could play in Week 8.
Skipper still remains a safety net. If Chickillo plays and Watt doesn't, the Steelers could still look to bring in Skipper, "just in case".
With Skipper on the roster the Steelers have options. They can then figure out future plans with Chickillo. If they decide to release him, they'll have a replacement they're confident in. If they don't, they can then decide how they'd like to utilize Skipper, or if they waive him again.
For Week 8, it gives them depth, allowing them to rest T.J. Watt. An 0-6 Miami team isn't much of threat. Despite Mike Tomlin's "respect" for the Dolphins, this isn't a team that brings much worry. If the best option for Watt's long-term health is to sit him this week, it's not a detrimental loss.
It makes sense in a number of ways to bring back Skipper. At bare minimum, it's an added player for Monday night. To the biggest extreme, he comes into Pittsburgh and replaces Chickillo. Either way, it's a decision that doesn't take much consideration.
