Steelers' Elandon Roberts Likely Won't See Much Action Due To 1 Key Reason

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently brought back hard-hitting linebacker Elandon Roberts after releasing him following the 2026 preseason. Roberts was brought in during August and played well in two of the team's preseason games. The veteran recently said he was dealing with a personal issue that would have kept him out for some time anyway and that he had no hard feelings about his release. He is now back with the Black and Gold, reuniting with Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham, whom he spent a season with as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Although Roberts was with the Steelers in August, he is still learning the Steelers' defensive playbook. When the linebacker was in Pittsburgh, Joey Porter Jr. was still in the playing cards on the defense, and the unit was expected to make man coverage its bread and butter. Now that he's a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Graham has reverted to heavy zone coverage. 

Recently, Roberts appeared on an episode of Not Just Football With Cam Heyward, where he and Heyward talked about the linebacker's return to the Steel City. Roberts mentioned that he is trying to jump on a moving train and learn the defense as quickly as possible. 

"So, me personally right now, I'm just learning the playbook because [there are] some nuances of PG's defense that's changed and I'm just trying to adapt… I'm trying to jump on a moving train..." Roberts said.

Graham is known for not having a specific scheme and letting his players' strengths shape the defense. When Roberts played for the coordinator in 2025, the team's strengths were different from what Pittsburgh offers. This makes it hard for even a former Graham player to jump on the moving train, so Roberts likely won't get many snaps, if any, when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

While Roberts may not have a role in Week 6, he could have a part to play the following week against the New Orleans Saints. Roberts mentioned on Heyward's podcast that he recently asked Mike McCarthy, after practice, if he would go with the rookies to the post-practice session. Roberts wants as many reps as possible to soak in as much information as he can to speed up the process. 

"Today I asked [Mike McCarthy], 'Could I go with the rookies at the after-practice thing?" Roberts stated. "I'm learning the defense... I'm trying to get in with you. Like, I'd rather look crazy than look crazy on the field. So I was like, 'Hey, you think I could steal some reps from these rookies and get in?' And he was like, 'Yeah,' and I said, 'Bet.'" 

In the preseason, Roberts showed he clearly still had gas left in the tank. He's adding physicality to a defense that needs it. Tackling has been very poor over the last few games at all levels, especially from the inside linebackers, and Roberts will hopefully change that. The Steelers' defense needs a thumper in the middle, and now they have one. Week 6 likely won't be his time, but he'll be on the field sooner rather than later. 

Steelers' Defense Desperately Needs Roberts' Physicality

Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson are similar linebackers in that neither thrives on brute force. Both men prefer to beat offensive linemen with speed and finesse rather than going head-on. Roberts has proven with the Steelers that he is an elite run stopper and will meet anyone in the hole, whether a running back or an offensive lineman. When Roberts is up to speed, it likely takes snaps away from Wilson, but his specialties are more on third downs than first and second. Adding Roberts could give Pittsburgh a three-headed monster at inside linebacker, with a great combination of size, physicality, and speed. 

What do you think about the Steelers adding Roberts back to the Pittsburgh roster? When do you think he'll be able to heavily contribute again? Be sure to follow us for more news!

#SteelerNation