Steelers Linebacker
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Elandon Roberts will be active for the Thursday night matchup against the Patriots, despite sustaining a groin injury during Sunday’s game against the Cardinals.
Roberts injured his groin in the first quarter of the Steelers’ loss to Arizona. He briefly returned to the game before leaving for good. There was initially concern that the injury could keep Roberts out this week.
However, Roberts is active just five days after the injury occurred. This is a positive development for a Pittsburgh defense that is dealing with multiple injuries at the inside linebacker position.
Veterans Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb are already out for the season, so the Steelers are thin at the position. Having Roberts available will provide a boost, even though he may not be 100%.
The Steelers have relied heavily on Roberts this season following the departure of Joe Schobert. Roberts has started all 12 games and tallied 89 tackles, which is good for second most on the team.
Pittsburgh will need Roberts to grit through the pain against a Patriots rushing attack led by Rhamondre Stevenson. His presence should help them match up better at the second level of the defense.
Injury Updates for Other Key Steelers
While Roberts is playing through injury, Pittsburgh received more good news on the health of left guard Isaac Seumalo. He was also injured against the Cardinals, leaving late with a shoulder issue.
Like Roberts, Seumalo will also be active on Thursday night. Having a healthy offensive line intact will be critical for the Steelers to move the ball against New England’s defense.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh ruled quarterback Kenny Pickett inactive, as expected following his recent right ankle surgery. Veteran Mitch Trubisky will make his first start since Week 4 as he fills in for Pickett.
Other Steelers’ inactives include running back Anthony McFarland Jr., cornerback James Pierre, linebacker Markus Golden, offensive tackle Dylan Cook and defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal.
Patriots Down Receiving Threat
On the other side, the Patriots will notably be without wide receiver DeVante Parker against Pittsburgh. Parker is inactive after being listed as questionable with a knee injury.
The veteran receiver leads New England with 4 touchdowns and has been one of rookie quarterback Mac Jones’ top targets this year when healthy. Without Parker, the Patriots will rely on Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne and others in the passing game.
Other Patriots inactives for TNF include cornerback Shaun Wade, running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and JaMycal Hasty, offensive tackle Vederian Lowe, and wide receivers Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas.
With both Stevenson and Hasty out, the Patriots may rely heavily on Damien Harris and Kevin Harris at running back. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe will make his third career start against Pittsburgh.
The Steelers and Patriots square off at 8:15 PM EST on Amazon Prime. Pittsburgh is looking to turn things around after two straight losses to improve to 8-5. Meanwhile, New England is hoping to get just its third win against its AFC foe.
Health is always key this time of year, so the Steelers have to be encouraged that Roberts and Seumalo can play through recent injuries. They will need all hands on deck against a scrappy Patriots group.
