The popular American Football team, Pittsburgh Steelers, is currently facing a daunting challenge they’re running out of men.
The constant wear and tear from games has led to numerous injuries, especially among the inside linebackers.
Starting from Week Nine, the team’s top three inside linebackers suffered damaging injuries, effectively sidelining them for the rest of the season.
Holcomb and Kwon Alexander suffered knee and Achilles injuries respectively. By the time Elandon Roberts, the last inside linebacker was injured in a match against the Arizona Cardinals, the Steelers found themselves in bad straits.
Roberts’ status of recovery from his groin injury remains uncertain as he was listed as a limited participant at the Tuesday practice.
His health status for Thursday’s game against the Patriots remains up in the air.
This has forced the Steelers to adopt a makeshift composition for the inside linebacker position.The team has since adopted an ingenious strategy, piecing together a capable unit from various sources.
They’ve signed experienced free agency veterans like Mykal Walker and practice squad players from other teams like Blake Martinez.
In an unexpected move, retired players such as Myles Jack were recalled to provide the much-needed support to the struggling side.
And when all else failed, they turned to Mark Robinson, the sole returning inside linebacker from the previous year, completing the patched-up ensemble.
Despite the misfortunes, Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin is yet to throw in the towel.
Acknowledging the tough situation, Austin made it clear to reporters that he wasn’t in need of any condolences.
He urged his team that they need to get on with their work despite the circumstances.
“Really nobody gives a shit,” Austin said via The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo. “You’ve got to get it done.”
Teryl Austin on the Steelers' numerous injuries at ILB: "Really nobody gives a shit. You've got to get it done."
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) December 5, 2023
The Steelers’ ability to execute their game plan against the Patriots will rely heavily on a combination of key players including Walker, Robinson, Martinez, and Jack.
Martinez and Jack, in particular, are likely to see some action during the coming weekend.
Pittsburgh’s strategy in the current crisis has been facing internal challenges, however, as a lack of faith appears to exist towards Robinson.
The player seems to have been overlooked by many other options and could be sidelined for the game over the weekend in favor of Martinez or Jack.
The Steelers’ current situation harks back to their 2017 crisis, which saw the team struggling to replace Ryan Shazier.
Many shifts had to be made, including moving Arthur Moats from outside linebacker to the core and the reinstatement of Sean Spence who started four notable games.
As Pittsburgh Steelers head into their upcoming game, their strategy seems to be surviving this one and hoping for a ‘mini bye’ period for Roberts to recover.
However, the one day less associated with a next-Saturday game might further upset their plans.
