PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The answers are in the room.
At least right now, was the message from Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin after losing a second starting linebacker in as many games. He said they are not looking outside of the organization for options. Tomlin believes GM Omar Khan and Assistant GM Andy Weidl have provided a pair of players ready for bigger roles currently on the practice squad. Tomlin credited the organization for being forward-thinking.
"We got guys we are comfortable with," Tomlin said. "Some of our practice squad guys are there not being they are developmental players. They are there because they are capable players, readying themselves for an opportunity."
Elandon Roberts
He's the leader, he's played 46% of the snaps this year, that number could not surpass his career high of 59% of the snaps from last year in Miami. It's not the role they ideally had for Roberts, but here we are.
"Obviously we are going to lean on Elandon Roberts," Tomlin said. "That's why we brought him here. He's a defensive quarterback in mentality. He's a really good communicator, really good above the neck player. Does a really good job in those areas."
Usually out for situational and passing down opportunities, Roberts will be in there now and counted on especially for his communication ability.
Mark Robinson
Tomlin said the second-year LB has grown fluidly and consistently the way you would want a player in his second year to improve. It was suspected Robinson would play more last week due to the injury to Cole Holcomb. He ended up with 41 snaps, finishing with three tackles. Last year in Week 16 against the Ravens he made seven tackles in 26 snaps, so the has shown the flashes.
"Thankfully he had an opportunity to rise up and experience some legitimate growth at the latter part of last year and get some quality defensive play," Tomlin said. "I thought that was a spring board into his offseason."
"I like the trajectory of his play. We'll see where it all leads us because obviously he will be at the front of the line in terms of getting an expanded role opportunity."
Mykal Walker
The 6'3", 230 pounder has been on the practice squad for just over a week after being released by the Raiders after he had been released by the Bears after the Falcons let him go with two weeks left in training camp. Walker had 107 tackles in 12 starts last season.
"To be honest, I never thought I would be in this situation, especially off what I did last year in Atlanta," Walker said. "For me, riding the rollercoaster up and down. My agent keeps my grounded, sometimes I'm ready to just explode." "You got to be ready when your number is called. I've always been that guy who had to wait and scrap and fight to get to the top. I'll be ready."
"He's not on our practice squad for development," Tomlin said. "He's on our practice squad to learn what to do and to position and ready himself for a moment that is probably going to probably transpire this weekend."
Tariq Carpenter
A converted safety from his 41 starts at Georgia Tech, Carpenter had 223 tackles in college. The 24-year-old played in 14 games last year with the Packers. Carpenter, who also is 6'3", said he feels like a linebacker now and has done a good job of picking things up. He's an interesting commodity especially with Roberts and Robinson known more for their run stuffing than coverage.
"Tariq has been on our practice squad for developmental defensive reasons, yes," Tomlin said. "But also because he was a known special teams commodity. I think he had nine special teams tackles with the Green Bay Packers a year ago."
Rule changes have allowed teams to put experienced players on their practice squads. Steelers believe they prepared themselves for these situations. We'll find out Sunday in Cleveland.
