On October 30th, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed four-year veteran Mykal Walker to their practice squad. Walker spent the first three years of his career on the Atlanta Falcons (2020-2022). Following starting linebacker Cole Holcomb's season-ending injury, (which only leaves three interior linebackers left on the 53-man roster), Walker could see himself playing a significant role within the Steelers defense in the second half of the 2023 NFL season.
On Thursday, Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin talked to the media regarding Walker's possible role within the linebacker room. Austin acknowledged Walker is still learning how he can incorporate himself into the defense.
"Right now, I couldn't say we have great confidence because I've got to figure out what he knows and we're starting to see that this week."
Austin would continue to talk about how Walker is seeing a change in the type of reps he receives during practice. Prior to the Holcomb injury, Walker was essentially playing scout defense.
"Yesterday, we got a chance to see him in there with some regular reps and not card team reps as we were getting used to him," said Austin.
To close his statement on Walker, Austin would reassure that Walker is in fact built to start in the NFL if need be. Which looking over Walker's resume, is far from a lie. Austin also agreed it could take some time for him to be able to adapt to the Steelers defense.
"He has been a starter in this league. He's made a lot of tackles. He's played football. That's comforting in that way. How he adapts to our system and the things that we're doing, that always is a matter of time and how fast a player gets it."
Going forward, it will be interesting to see if Walker will have an opportunity to start for the Steelers. Or at least have a decent role on the defense. With the news of Walker now getting more significant reps, it should be a matter of no time before we see Walker elevated to the 53-man roster and playing on Sundays.
Which Steelers LB Can Step Up To Replace The Injured Holcomb?
With Cole Holcomb's injury, the Steelers currently only have three interior linebackers on the depth chart: Kwon Alexander, Elandon Roberts, and Mark Robinson. With Walker beginning to get more reps, things could change quickly. From a front office and a team standpoint, you'd love to have at least four interior linebackers in order to rotate everyone and keep player's fresh. With that being said, it should be soon that we see Walker get elevated to the 53-man roster. Furthermore, Holcomb's injury still leaves one question looming, who will step up and take over the leading linebacker role for the rest of the 2023 season?
Roberts is one linebacker who is primed to take full advantage of the Holcomb injury. Roberts, who is in his eighth year in the NFL, was signed by the Steelers prior to the 2023 season. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Since joining the league, he's played on three teams now, the Patriots, Miami Dolphins, and Steelers.
Throughout his career, Roberts has racked up a total of 505 tackles (292 solo), 12.5 sacks, and one interception. As stats show, Roberts prides himself on being an aggressive football player who is able to stuff run holes. So far in his short time with the Steelers, Roberts has been able to do just that. Seemingly, always making a big hit when he comes onto the field.
On Wednesday though, Roberts would find himself a spot on the injury report with a knee injury. On Thursday, the veteran linebacker logged a DNP (did not participate). As his availability for Steelers game vs the Green Bay Packers is in jeopardy, fans shouldn't be too worried about the severity. Going into the second half of the season, expect Roberts to take over the second interior linebacker role with ease, showing off his great run stopping ability.
What does Steeler Nation think? Will Walker be able to make a difference on the Steelers defense? And will Roberts be able to seemingly take over the interior linebacker role and step up in the absence of Holcomb? Leave your thoughts down below!
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