Newly promoted linemen Jerald Hawkins, Derwin Gray active for Steelers against Broncos

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Newly promoted linemen Jerald Hawkins, Derwin Gray active for Steelers against Broncos

Joe Rutter | Sunday, September 20, 2020 11:46 a.m.

Courtesy of Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins (65) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020.

Unlike the season opener in New York, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin dressed a full 48-man roster Sunday against the Denver Broncos.

Because of a misinterpretation of the new game day inactives rules, Tomlin had only 47 available players in the opener Monday night at MetLife Stadium.

He got it right for the home opener at Heinz Field. The five inactive players were quarterback Joshua Dobbs, inside linebacker Ulysees Gilbert, guard David DeCastro, defensive lineman Carlos Davis and tight end Zach Gentry.

All five players also were inactive against the Giants. Running back Anthony McFarland, scratched against the Giants, is active against the Broncos.

NFL teams are permitted to carry 48 players on the gameday roster as long as eight are offensive linemen. The Steelers will have eight in uniform against the Broncos: starters Alejandro Villanueva, Matt Feiler, Maurkice Pouncey, Kevin Dotson and Chuks Okorafor, and backups J.C. Hassenauer, Jerald Hawkins and Derwin Gray.

The Steelers signed Hawkins earlier in the week after Zach Banner was placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL. They also promoted Gray from the practice squad when guard Stefen Wisniewski went on injured reserve with a pectoral injury.

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