The Steelers placed rookie linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III on injured reserve on Tuesday, ending his 2019 regular season.
Gilbert, 22 has been dealing with a back injury. He played in seven on the Steelers’ first eight games, participating exclusively on special teams. He did not record any tackles.
He spent most of the season fifth on Steelers depth chart at inside linebacker, behind Mark Barron, Devin Bush, Tyler Matakevich and Vince Williams.
The Steelers selected Gilbert out of Akron with the 207th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Steelers acquired that pick from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for tackle Marcus Gilbert earlier in the offseason.
Gilbert must spend at least eight weeks on the injured reserve, so this injury will end his regular season. He could possibly return for the postseason.
To replaced Gilbert on the 53-man roster, the Steelers promoted linebacker Robert Spillane from their practice squad.
Spillane, 23 signed with the Steelers in the offseason as a free agent after spending his rookie season with the Tennessee Titans. Spillane had 18 tackles, two sacks and two passes defended in four preseason games.
He was amongst the final round of cuts before the regular season. He was on his second stint on the Steelers’ practice squad before being promoted.
A Western Michigan alum, Spillane is the grandson of 1952 Heisman Trophy winner and former Steelers halfback Johnny Lattner.