PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Elandon Roberts said he was at the hospital with Cole Holcomb right after surgery on his injured knee. He described the Steelers linebacker as in good spirits, but it’s a big blow to the group.
Holcomb had worked into becoming the team’s best overall inside linebacker with a couple of forced fumbles and other impact plays from the position when last year they got none.
Roberts quoted Mike Tomlin saying they had a luxury of having three starter-quality, veteran middle linebackers and now it’s down to a pair. Both Roberts and Kwon Alexander will have to play traditional snaps, but each is ready for the responsibility.
“It’s a big impact,” Alexander said. “Cole’s a big player to this defense and to the linebacker group. We are going to play for him.”
Joining the team during the early stages of training camp, Alexander said he knows the defense pretty well. He will make sure everyone is on the same page. He’s been a main inside backer before in Tampa Bay and said nothing really changes, except for playing more snaps.
“Still going, just trying to legendary while I’m still here,” Alexander said.
Roberts said all will have to pick their game up, but they are all comfortable together and believe any inside linebacker can play either side regardless of the situation.
“I think we all played enough with each other,” Roberts said. “I’m a big believer that what you do on the practice field is what you are going to do in a game. Practice reps turns into game reality.”
That applies to Mark Robinson, the second-year linebacker now will get the reps he’s been hoping for this year, albeit not in the situation. Roberts says Robinson comes to work ready to go every day. Every week he prepares like he’s going to be in the game. This week he will be.
“Mark was born ready,” Alexander said. “He’s worked hard and put a lot of work in. I know he will be prepared and ready to go.”
“They’ve done a good job,” said linebacker TJ Watt. “Like we talk about every week, it’s about communication. We had the crowd noise out there this week, the refs. We are trying to create a game-like atmosphere especially for those newer guys that haven’t gotten as many reps. I think they’ve done a great job so far.”
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New guys
There are a pair of new guys, one who likely will get the chance to play this week. Tariq Carpenter started 41 games at safety at Georgia Tech, playing 52 games overall. He made 223 tackles (153 solo) with 6.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and four interceptions.
He said he will play this week.
An interesting return for the 24-year-old playing against the Green Bay Packers, who he played 14 games for last year, mainly on special teams. He was signed to the Steelers practice squad a day after his release by Green Bay on August 30.
“I’ve been doing a real good job of picking things up,” Carpenter said. “Just going out and playing, the emotions are I get to put on that Steelers jersey and say I’m a Steeler. Just trying to solidify myself.”
Carpenter said he’s been using reps as a scout-team linebacker to get better. He said he’s focused on self-development. He said LB Coach Aaron Curry has been working with him before and after practice to get better.”
“I feel like a linebacker now,” Carpenter said.
The other option is not new to the position, but new to the Steelers. Veteran Mykal Walker was signed last week after starting 20 of 49 games in three years with the Falcons. Walker was waived with some injury concerns August 13 after 107 tackles, six passes defended and two interceptions last season. The Bears quickly claimed him and released him two weeks later. The Raiders took a chance in September and released him on October 24 before he then signed with the Steelers.
“AC is a great coach. He’s getting me up to speed. Linebackers are great, I’ve known Kwon forever. Elandon is a master-mind behind the operation. They are really getting me up to speed. That linebacker room is like a family. It’s been cool the way they took me in and got me ready to play.”
Walker said he came from a Dean Pees defense, where there were 150 calls. He said anything is easier and the Steelers have fewer options. Walker adds he brings versatility to the room and can play wherever they want. In two seasons at Fresno State, Walker played defensive end and linebacker with 182 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 10 passes defended, three forced fumbles and an interception.
There are options, it’s which combination plays the best and who can make the most of limited reps while one is resting.
“Cole to the room was bigger than just another linebacker,” Roberts said. “It’s a brotherhood, Cole will still be real involved in our room. He’s going to be in with us mentally, still getting ready for the game. Even though he won’t be there from a physical standpoint.”