The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing Elandon Roberts back, and the move signals one thing more than anything else: the inside linebacker spot still needed help.
Roberts was with the Steelers last season, then came back through camp and saw plenty of work in the preseason before being released. That left a lot of fans scratching their heads.
At 32, he had still been sitting on the market more than five weeks into the season for a reason, so this isn’t the kind of addition that changes everything. He’s a run-stopping, two-down linebacker with coverage limitations.
Even so, he brings value as a sure tackler who can get off blocks and already has a Super Bowl-winning résumé.
The timing makes sense because the injury picture around the roster is getting messy. The Steelers had already held the Colts to 66 rushing yards on Sunday, but they still felt the need to reinforce the middle of the defense.
Elsewhere, Michael Pittman, Jr, Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek are all dealing with injuries, and Derrick Harmon and Jamel Dean are hurt too, among others. It’s the kind of situation that starts to feel like a full-blown MASH unit, and this one is only getting more crowded.
Sunday also stood out as Aaron Rodgers’ best game of the season so far. It wasn’t perfect - there were still missed throws and missed chances - but he managed the offense well, used his legs when he had to and stayed in the pocket more often than not. The concern now is simpler and more serious: he keeps taking a beating, and it’s fair to wonder how long that can hold up.
The wide receiver injuries have also sparked talk about JuJu Smith-Schuster returning to Pittsburgh. There’s reason for the appeal, but there’s also reason for caution.
Both of his knees have seen better days. The Steelers would absolutely get effort from him as a blocker, but what else he still has left is the real question.
Around the league, clock management has become a running issue. From the game in London to the rough finish in Washington, coaches and players have looked lost in late-game situations, and there were more questionable decisions in Monday night’s game as well. It’s gotten to the point where it feels like some sideline crews have suddenly forgotten how to coach.
There was also a deserved suspension for 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw after he headbutted a helmetless player on Seattle’s sideline. That came one week after he told Broncos coach Sean Payton to “Get the fuck off his field” after the Niners beat Denver.
Elsewhere, there’s skepticism about Arch Manning as a top-tier quarterback, frustration over how Manchester City’s violations are being handled in English soccer, and one more Steelers note worth watching: Jaylen Warren looks like the featured back now, but someone still has to emerge as a real No. 2. Warren can’t do it all.
In Other News...
Steelers Defense Is Trying A New Fix That Has To Work Fast
The Steelers are trying a different look on the defensive sideline this week, shifting coordinator Patrick Graham from the booth to field level for the game against the Colts. Graham had preferred calling games from above, where the better angle helps him sort out offensive personnel and formations, but the change gives him a more direct line to players in real time.
Mike McCarthy pushed for the move because he wants quicker, cleaner communication and faster adjustments during the game. It is the kind of tweak teams make when they think a small operational fix can help in a hurry, though McCarthy is still sorting out whether the change actually delivers the kind of correction Pittsburgh needs. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Face A Tough Backfield Call Mike McCarthy Can't Avoid
Pittsburghs win over the Colts only sharpened a backfield question that has been building while Rico Dowdle has been sidelined. Mike McCarthy has made it clear he wants a two-back look with Dowdle and Jaylen Warren, but Warren has done plenty to complicate the plan by handling a bigger load and producing as the primary option in Dowdles absence.
The challenge now is less about whether Warren has earned more work and more about how the Steelers sort out touches once Dowdle is back in the mix. Warrens strong showing against Indianapolis gave the staff another reminder that the current rotation is working, which leaves McCarthy with a decision he cannot really dodge as Pittsburgh moves forward. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Suddenly Have A WR Decision That Could Shape Week 6
The Steelers are staring at another receiver-depth test this week, and the timing is awkward with the group already thinned out. DK Metcalf and Germie Bernard have been holding down the top spots, while rookie Kaden Wetjen and a likely practice squad elevation in Brandon Smith are the next men up as Pittsburgh tries to keep the passing game functional.
With the position group so light, the front office is at least weighing outside help, and several free agents have surfaced as possible answers. Nothing has been finalized yet, but the fact the Steelers are looking at another addition says plenty about how fragile the room has become heading into Week 6. [Read more 🡒]