Steelers Try Fascinating Experiment As Linebacker Transitions To Fullback

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of analysis to do during training camp in 2025. So far, there have been numerous "camp bodies" that have made their cases to make the 53-man roster. All of these "bubble" players seem to be locked into exciting battles as they fight for their respective jobs. There is still plenty of time for these players to win or lose these spots, as the preseason has not even ramped up yet. Some of them are looking to contribute elsewhere to prove their worths, and show that they belong in Pittsburgh. 

One of those players has even changed sides of the field. Chris Adamski reported that the Steelers have tested out a goal-line formation with linebacker Mark Robinson playing fullback. 

Robinson's spot on the 53-man roster is not guaranteed, especially with the return of Cole Holcomb and rookie Carson Bruener trying to make a name for himself. The linebacker competition will be a fascinating one to watch, as there are many players that deserve to make it past roster cutdown day, but there aren't enough spots for each individual. Playing fullback as well can't hurt Robinson in that regard.

Robinson is low-key a great option for fullback. His strengths in college and the NFL are his straight-line speed and powerful hits. That perfectly translates to a lead blocker role. He can jump in the gap and take out the incoming linebacker to clear a path for his running back. He also played running back in college at one point, so he understands how that side of the ball works. This could be a great fit for the fourth-year player. 

However, this was not in the playbook during summer minicamps or even the beginning of training camp. After practice, Robinson said that Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith told him Sunday before practice that the coaching staff would be experimenting with him of offense. 

Smith is no stranger to funky formations and odd personnel groupings. The Steelers have been experimenting with all kinds of new, odd looks during training camp so far, and who knows how many of them will be used during the regular season? Robinson has been working on special teams a lot in his career, so being productive in all three phases of the game could help him stay on the team if he can excel on offense. 

There is no certainty that Robinson is the permanent fullback, of course. The Steelers still have Jonnu Smith, Connor Heyward, DJ Thomas-Jones, and other offensive players that have prior experience to fullback in more recent years. There is already a stiff competition at that position. Arthur Smith could also just be experimenting for the sake of experimenting, with no real interest having the former seventh-round pick adding fullback to his NFL repertoire. 

Steelers Are Excited To See Mark Robinson At Fullback

Starting linebacker Patrick Queen was on the sidelines when he saw his teammate run out there with a white offense jersey as opposed to a yellow defense one. Even before the play was ran, it sounded like Queen wanted to see Robinson in that role more often, as Mark Kaboly reported his reaction to this play. 

What do you think about Robinson playing fullback? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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