Report: Steelers LB Robert Spillane to Miss Time, Avoid Surgery after Knee injury

Steelers inside linebacker Robert Spillane is expected to miss time with the left knee injury that he suffered in the second half of Pittsburgh’s 23-17 loss to Washington on Monday night, but it will not require surgery, according to a report by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

Spillane was injured after rushing the passer on a third-down play during the opening drive of the second half. He immediately grabbed his left knee, but was able to walk off the field with a noticeable limp. Spillane was first examined on the sideline by Steelers athletic trainer John Norwig, before limping to the locker room.

Spillane did not return to play. Head coach Mike Tomlin said only that he was still being evaluated after the game.

Spillane, a third-year pro in his second season with the Steelers, had filled in well for injured starter Devin Bush, who is out for the year with a knee injury of his own.

Avery Williamson, who was acquired in a trade with the New York Jets on Nov. 1, replaced Spillane alongside Vince Williams in the middle of the Pittsburgh defense.

Fellow backup inside linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III is also on injured reserve with a back injury. Converted safety Marcus Allen is the only other inside linebacker on Pittsburgh’s active roster. Third-year pro Tegray Scales is on the practice squad.