The Pittsburgh Steelers' 34-22 win at home on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts was one that they desperately needed. They also used it as a chance to correct some critical issues on defense. Despite the win, there is still one big cause for concern for Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham. Missed tackles have been an issue that has plagued the unit and Sunday was not different for his group. It was reported on Monday that linebacker Elandon Roberts was in town to visit with the organization. For a player that was cut by Pittsburgh this past offseason, he now has a chance to help solidify the front seven.
Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports (Imagn)
New England Patriots tight end Pharaoh Brown (86) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) in the first half of a regular season game at Acrisure Stadium.
Roberts would end up officially signing back with Pittsburgh late Monday evening. When he was originally cut before the start of the season, it was partly connected to the team's decision to keep four quarterbacks on their roster. However, the missed tackling rate in Pittsburgh this year is not something that has corrected itself since the season started, so they need to find some answers to correct the issue.
Recently, former Steelers players Trai Essex and Charlie Batch were on The Snap Count podcast to discuss Sunday's victory. Batch was not hesitant to make sure he spoke out about the issue with tackling for the team so far in 2026. While doing so, he mentioned the importance of the visit by Roberts.
“This game here, eight missed tackles, another 108 yards after contact,” Batch said. “So when that happens and bringing your total to 416 yards off of missed tackles, you have to make a move. This is why Elandon Roberts is here and he should have never been left off this team. It is good to see E-Rob back and bring that consistency back within the inside linebacker group.”
The veteran linebacker has spent time in the past with the organization as mentioned. That first stint with the Steelers saw him play in 33 games across two seasons. Across those 33 games, he recorded almost 150 total tackles and had one forced fumble. He is not the type of linebacker that has elite star power around the NFL, but he is a consistent veteran that can help to limit the uptick in missed tackles that are hurting Graham's group right now.
The 416 yards that Batch referred to comes out to an average of over 83 yards per game off of missed tackles through five games in the 2026 NFL season. While that can be covered up against some opponents, like it was on Sunday, other offenses will take advantage of that weakness more efficiently and put points on the board. Roberts signed to the practice squad, but it's possible he can be called up to the active roster sooner rather than later.
Steelers Have A Familiar Face With Elandon Roberts
Roberts spent last season as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders with Graham as his defensive coordinator. That type of familiarity in how Graham wants to call a defense, along with needing the help, means making the move official would make perfect sense for the franchise. The miscues are going to start costing them more games given how big of an issue it is.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers Payton Wilson (41) and Elandon Roberts (50) make a tackle on Ravens running back Derrick Henry in 2024.
Getting Roberts back with the organization might go a long way in helping out linebackers Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen. While a team is limited on options with it being five weeks into the 2026 season, the familiarity that Roberts would bring would be a welcome sight in the Steel City. Given the fact this is causing over 83 extra yards by opponents like Batch mentioned, the reunion with the veteran linebacker would be a good first step in correcting the issue.
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