Offensive guard John Malecki, a Pennsylvania native and former standout for the Pittsburgh Panthers, was activated by the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday heading into tonight's game against the Cincinnati Bengals at 8:20 p.m. Eastern.

Malecki, who has worked out for and been cut by the Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans all without playing a down in an NFL game, will be added to the Steelers' roster to hopefully provide some needed depth in the wake of a few injuries. Most notably, right tackle Marcus Gilbert will miss today's action with an ankle injury, and starting center Maurkice Pouncey is battling a knee injury, though he will likely play.

At 6'2" and 298 pounds, Malecki could be used as a part of the Pittsburgh guard rotation in a reserve role.

At Pitt, Malecki was a multi-year starter at right guard and a member of the Big East All-Academic Football Team.