Steelers Rookie LB Mark Robinson to Make Debut vs. Buccaneers

PITTSBURGH — Steelers rookie linebacker Mark Robinson will make his season debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Robinson, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, had not played in any game prior to Sunday as the team dressed Marcus Allen over him for special teams purposes.

Now Robinson, who is a converted running back to linebacker, has a chance to stamp his mark on the game in some fashion. He will likely be seen on special teams at the very least. Myles Jack, Robert Spillane, and Devin Bush are expected. to be the rotation at linebacker on the defensive side of the football.

In 2018-19, he played running back for Southeast Missouri. In 2018, he rushed for 364 yards on 74 carries. In 2017 as a freshman, he was at Presbyterian College, rushing for 332 yards and five touchdowns. Then, he transferred to Ole Miss, where they decided to make him a linebacker.

Known for his hard-hitting style, Robinson has drawn comparisons to former Steelers linebacker Vince Williams. As a senior, Robinson was a force on the Rebels’ defense, recording 92 tackles, 8.5 tackles-for-loss, and three sacks in 2021. He sat out the 2020 season due to the NCAA transfer rules.

Robinson will fill in as the Buck linebacker role if he does play on the defense. The Steelers have been training him there since he got to Pittsburgh, and that will likely be the way they go once again.