Steelers add a linebacker leading up to the 2025 Preseason finale

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their 2025 NFL Preseason finale Thursday night when they travel to Charlotte to play the Carolina Panthers. As it customary this time of year, the team is making roster moves to round out the 90-man roster before they board their flight to North Carolina.

Monday the team made a series of roster moves, and those moves continued Tuesday with the team adding linebacker Kenny Willekes. To make room for Willekes on the roster they released offensive tackle Gareth Warren with a waived/injured designation. Warren was placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol after last Saturday’s Week 2 preseason game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

This from the Steelers official Twitter/X account:

We have signed LB Kenny Willekes & waived/injured OT Gareth Warren. @BordasLaw https://t.co/oXYOYF3PNm

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 19, 2025

For those who want to know more about the newest addition to the Steelers 90-man roster, here is an update from the Steelers official website:

Willekes spent one season (2021) with the Minnesota Vikings and appeared in six games. He had 18 tackles, including 11 solo stops, two tackles for a loss and a pass defensed.

Willekes found success in the USFL, playing for the Michigan Panthers in 2024. He played in nine games, finishing with 21 tackles and four sacks.

Willekes played college football at Michigan State where he was the 2018 National Defensive Lineman of the Year. He was a two-time All-Big Ten selection (2018-19) and won team Most Valuable Player honors both years.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Panthers this Thursday night in preseason action.