Steelers Suffer Just One Injury vs. Bengals, But It’s a Big One

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered just one injury in Saturday’s 34-11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but it could be a major one.

Inside linebacker Elandon Roberts left the game in the first quarter with a left pectoral injury and did not return, and it appears that the injury could be serious. Head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t have an update on his status, but his teammates seemed to think that it was a significant injury.

“Feel for E-Rob because he gives everything to this game,” Alex Highsmith said. “I know that he’s hurting because he loves this game, he loves to play football.”

The Steelers have already been playing without starers Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb, who are out for the season. Roberts started alongside Mykal Walker on Saturday, with Myles Jack and Mark Robinson filling in after his injury.

“We’ve got capable guys that will come in and do the job for us,” Highsmith said. “Myles Jack and Myke and everybody played well today that came in. Mark, everybody. Just to have guys step up, and we’re confident in the guys who are going to do that.”

Roberts did not have his arm in a brace or a sling in the locker room after the game. Even minor pectoral injuries can be significant. T.J. Watt missed seven weeks with a pectoral injury that did not require surgery last season.

Roberts has been extremely reliable during his career. He hasn’t missed a game since the end of the 2020 season, a streak of 48 consecutive games that appears to be in jeopardy.