PHILADELPHIA (93.7 The Fan) – Reports from numerous news outlets, even Joe Schobert's wife, but the Steelers won't confirm, as of late Thursday night, they've traded for the Jacksonville linebacker.
"I can't tell you much of anything about it to be honest with you," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin after the second preseason game. "I can't speculate on reports at this time. If there is news, I'm sure I'll be happy to address it when I'm allowed to."
Steelers won't practice again until Saturday, but would expect Schobert to be at Heinz Field still with two preseason games before the regular season opens in Jacksonville.
The news first appeared about adding the linebacker known for his coverage skills after a 34-yard pass play, beating linebacker Devin Bush during the second preseason game in Philadelphia. Tomlin downplayed a few other successful Eagles pass plays against linebackers.
"I'm not overly concerned about that right now," Tomlin said. "Our defensive menu is on a note card. We're not trying to trick anybody. We want to see who can rush and who can cover."
"So, from a quarterback standpoint, we're not challenging them intellectually. They will hit some plays and we're okay with that. We want to evaluate our guys. Sometimes when you are tricking quarterbacks, then you're not evaluating our guys."
Regardless, its an area that needs improvement.
Linebacker Melvin Ingram played in a Pro Bowl with Schobert when the likely new Steelers linebacker was with the Browns.
"I know he's a phenomenal player," Ingram said. "I don't know if he's coming here or not, but he's a phenomenal player."
Ingram said we have to interview the front office to get the answer. I guess until we interview them or they release a statement, they won't confirm the addition of the 27-year-old, five-year NFL vet.
