On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers lost starting inside linebacker Kwon Alexander to what is being described as a season-ending Achilles injury. This would be a serious issue no matter what but the fact that Alexander was in the starting lineup to replace Cole Holcomb makes it even more significant. Holcomb suffered a season-ending knee injury the week before. What will the Steelers do next? Here are our four most realistic takeaways from the injury and how Pittsburgh should proceed.
Roll with Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson
The reality is, since the trade deadline has passed and free agency has dried up for starters, this is going to be Mark Robinson and Elandon Roberts’ jobs going forward. Roberts has been a starter since Day One and Robinson is a solid reserve who looked good against the Packers.
Call up Tariq Carpenter and Mykal Walker
The Steelers have two inside linebackers on the practice squad in Mykal Walker and Tariq Carpenter. If they aren’t the two next-best options then why are they on the roster?
Utilize Minkah Fitzpatrick more in run support
Once Minkah Fitzpatrick gets back, we expect to see him in the box more as an extra run defender like we’ve seen already this season. This also means you could see the Steelers three-safety look include Patrick Peterson as well.
Reload the practice squad
If the Steelers look to free agency or other team’s practice squad it will be less about the 53-man roster it’s to replace Carpenter and Walker. Nick Kwiatkoski is a former Steelers which makes sense and Jayron Bronw is a free agent with starting experience. The San Francisco 49ers also have a solid player in Curtis Robinson.
