PITTSBURGH — Steelers inside linebacker Elandon Roberts is out for the rest of the team’s Week 13 game against the Arizona Cardinals with a groin injury suffered in the first quarter. Roberts was treated in the medcal tent on the Pittsburgh sideline and initially returned to the game. He then again needed the attention of trainers and was taken to the Pittsburgh locker room.
Mark Robinson and Mykal Walker will man the defense without him in the game. Walker has experience calling the defense both in practice and during his time in Atlanta.
The injury to Roberts is concerning, with Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb out for the season with injuries. Roberts never went to the locker room and is in full uniform with his helmet. At the very least, that signals it is a possibility that Roberts could return to the game. But for now, the team will move forward with just two healthy inside linebackers, as Blake Martinez is inactive. Elevated from the practice squad, Kyron Johnson has experience off the ball but plays more on the edge.
Roberts has been a key cog for the Steelers. He had two tackles on the day and was also called for a penalty after hitting Cardinals running back Emari Demercado in the flat. Demercado is being evaluated for a concussion. Pittsburgh will now have to hope that Roberts can return, or they will be playing shorthanded at inside linebacker.
Myles Jack and Tariq Carpenter are on the practice squad. They could be brought up in the coming weeks if Roberts is to miss time with the injury.