During the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 24-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, LB Elandon Roberts sustained a groin injury during the first quarter. He returned to the field briefly but then had to leave after two plays. He did not return and was questionable to play on the short week.
However, Steelers fans got good news only a few hours before kickoff Thursday night when NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported that Roberts will suit up and play against the New England Patriots.
Roberts has served as the primary signal caller for the Steelers’ defense while also amassing 77 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a pass defended. The Steelers are not facing an offensive juggernaut with QB Bailey Zappe starting for the Patriots. The Patriots have only scored 20 or more points twice this season, and they have failed to score double-digit points in their last three outings. That includes a 6-0 shutout loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday.
Still, there is no question that the Steelers will be better on defense with Roberts lined up in the middle, ensuring all communication is going as smoothly as possible. Head coach Mike Tomlin came out and said that the Steelers struggled to communicate properly on defense after Roberts went down against the Cardinals.
The prospect of Roberts being unavailable to face the Patriots left the Steelers with a dilemma from both a player and a communications standpoint. Tomlin made plans to give S Minkah Fitzpatrick signal-calling duties if Roberts could not go. Then it was going to LB Blake Martinez and LB Myles Jack who would have had to step up at the inside linebacker spot to replace Roberts.
Thankfully for Tomlin, the Steelers, and fans, none of that will reportedly matter come kickoff Thursday night as Roberts is in line to play against the Patriots.
