Steelers’ Tomlin Mum on Potential Joe Schobert Trade: ‘I Can’t Speculate on Reports’

PHILADELPHIA — Mike Tomlin declined to discuss the Steelers potentially trading for Jacksonville Jaguars inside linebacker Joe Schobert after the team’s 24-16 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday.

“I can’t tell you much of anything about it, to be honest with you,” Tomlin said. “I can’t speculate on reports at this time. If there is news, I’m sure I’ll be happy to address it when I’m allowed to.”

NFL coaches are not allowed to talk about acquiring players on other teams until the trade is completed and cleared through the league office, which suggested that the acquisition of Schobert, reported by Steelers Now and many other outlets after the game started late on Thursday, may not be finalized.

Tomlin did say that he wasn’t unhappy with the pass coverage of his inside linebackers, despite starters Devin Bush and Robert Spillane and backup Ulysees Gilbert III all yielding significant plays in the passing game.

“I’m not overly concerned about it right now,” he said. “Our defensive menu is kind of on the no card. We’re not trying to trick anybody. We’re trying to see who can rush, who can cover. So from a quarterback standpoint, in terms of diagnosing it, we’re not challenging them intellectually. They hit some plays. We’re OK with that.”

The Steelers are off Friday after traveling back to Pittsburgh late Thursday night. They next practice at Heinz Field on Saturday afternoon.