Steelers Have Options to Add ILB
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers will need to add to their inside linebacker room after suffering another season-ending injury, losing Kwon Alexander to a torn achilles.
Last week, Pittsburgh lost Cole Holcomb to a knee injury, placing him on Injured Reserve for the remainder of the year. Now, the Steelers' room includes just Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson, and chances are, they will sign at least one more name before next week.
Here are their options.
In-House Options
Tariq Carpenter
The Steelers elevated Carpenter for Week 10 against the Packers, but the rookie didn't play any defensive snaps even after Alexander's injury. The safety-turned-back is a UDFA, which makes him a liability if he's called up to be a constant contributor to the defense.
That being said, if he's a special teamer and added depth with limited to no role on defense, he's an option for the Steelers.
Mykal Walker
Walker has played at least 16 games in all three years of his professional career. The former fourth-round pick started 12 games for the Atlanta Falcons last season, recording 107 tackles, two interceptions and six pass deflections.
Walker not being elevated for Week 10 could be more about him still adjusting to the defense. He was signed to the team's practice squad just before Week 9, but after two weeks in the system, he may be ready for a role on the 53-man roster.
The Steelers may need him if he's their easiest signing to make - and it probably is.
Kyron Johnson
Kyron Johnson was the Philadelphia Eagles sixth-round pick in 2022 and played 16 of 17 games last season as a special teamer. After hitting the free agency market this year, the Steelers jumped on him, bringing him onto their practice squad mid-season.
Johnson could be another option as a special teams contributor, with the ability to try and earn a place on defense. As an inside and outside linebacker, Johnson finished his career at the University of Kansas with 22.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks. He'll need to make a jump from special teamer to defensive option, but the Steelers will consider him.
Outside Signing
Myles Jack
Somewhere, Myles Jack is figuring out his electrician career outside of football. But if the Steelers need an inside linebacker and they want a veteran who's familiar with their defense, why not give him a call?
Last season, head coach Mike Tomlin described Jack as a "middle linebacker" a number of times. Simply put, he was referring to Jack as a football player who's physical and ready to contribute when called upon.
After retiring abruptly just before the season while at training camp with the Eagles, Jack is probably enjoying life outside of football. But maybe that competitive itch comes back and the Steelers could get a guy who contributed 104 tackles for them a year ago.
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