The Pittsburgh Steelers faithful will have to wait at least one more week for the return of popular inside linebacker Elandon Roberts.
Roberts was not elevated from the Steelers' practice squad by the Steelers before Saturday's deadline, meaning he will not be eligible to play in Week 7, when the Steelers play the New Orleans Saints in Paris, France.
The Steelers called up two others from the practice squad, elevating wide receivers Brandon Johnson and Brandon Smith for the second straight week as the club deals with a slew of injuries at offensive skill positions. Wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek have all already been ruled out against the Saints, with Pittman and Wilson on the injured reserve list.
Roberts re-joined the Steelers via the practice squad last Monday and has yet to be active for a game. The 32-year-old had been one of the team's final cuts coming out of training camp.
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Elandon Roberts during a game against the New York Jets on Oct. 21, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Roberts was with the Steelers from 2023-24, and then spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he played for current Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham . He rejoined the team this summer, late in training camp,
"I enjoyed him in training camp," head coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday. "I thought he did a nice job. I think timing was a little bit to do with his opportunity. Once again, we're trying to get better. All these opportunities that we are creating for players. The changes that you make, we're trying to improve the team. He's a veteran. He's done great things throughout his career, but this man just wants to win. Can't have enough people like that."
The Steelers do not have any injuries or obvious need for an additional linebacker to dress. Starters Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson and backups Carson Bruener and Cole Holcomb have been active in all six games so far this season.
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