Steelers All 91: ILB Tyler Matakevich

All 91 is a Pittsburgh Steelers Now series profiling each of the 91 members of the Steelers 2019 training camp roster.

44 • Tyler Matakevich, fourth-year inside linebacker

Last year: “Dirty Red,” as the red-bearded Matakevich is known, played in all 16 games in his third season with the Steelers and made his first career start, expanding his role beyond special teams in a significant way.

Stats: Made 16 tackles.

Accolades, Highlights:

Former Temple Owls LB and current Pittsburgh Steeler Tyler Matakevich getting it done in the NFL, blocking the punt to get a TD. #TUFB pic.twitter.com/vfwmp925S2

— C. Austin Cox (@C_Austin_Cox) September 10, 2017

Tyler Matakevich cut through the line like the guac was free 👊👊 @44_Matakevich pic.twitter.com/h51HliXHM7

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) August 10, 2019

Camp outlook: The additions of free agent Mark Barron, first-round pick Devin Bush and sixth-round pick Ulysses Gilbert have made things interesting at inside linebacker, where Matakevich and Gilbert will battle to be the primary backup to Vince Williams at right inside linebacker.

Projected role: Special teams will be the key for Matakevich, as Gilbert is probably a better overall athlete. It’s tough to see the Steelers keeping five inside backers, so it’s a battle Matakevich will have to win to keep his spot.

Coverage links:

Inside the Numbers: Steelers Salary Cap Situation Entering Training Camp

The rest of the 91: