PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker DeMarvin Leal gave the details of his season-ending 2024 injury. Leal suffered the injury while going in for a tackle against the Dallas Cowboys and had neck surgery.
Now, Leal is back and playing strictly outside linebacker instead of interior defensive lineman or even tweener. Leal was a regular rotational piece before his season-ending injury, and he was only cleared a month ago.
However, he is back and ready to go as an outside linebacker, hoping to make a roster push.
“Basically had a bone spur and scoliosis in the back of my neck that they had to get out,” Leal said. “About six to seven weeks of bed rest. Another three or four without any contact or anything. Maybe like last month I was finally cleared... It’s completely good. Feels good. 100 percent. Fresh legs.”
A former third-round pick out of Texas A&M, Steelers coaches praised Leal as finally having a breakout summer in 2024, and it felt like he was starting to turn the corner. He could play inside or outside, but that took a turn. Now, in his fourth season, Leal must prove he is worthy of a roster spot.
After drafting Jack Sawyer, it becomes a lot harder for Leal. Yet, his versatility, rare athleticism, and size is something that will aid Leal in the potential roster push he will make during training camp.