Steelers have major linebacker issue after latest injury
The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to squeak out another close win on Sunday, beating the Green Bay Packers by a 23-19 margin to improve to 6-3 and keep pace in the AFC North.
As important as the win was, it came with a cost.
The Steelers lost another middle linebacker, likely for the season, as Kwon Alexander reportedly suffered a torn Achilles in the win.
What makes the Alexander injury so damaging is the Steelers are already stretched thin at middle linebacker after starting Cole Holcomb had his season ended a week ago in a win over the Tennessee Titans.
That removes two of the Steelers' top-three middle linebackers and leaves them with a big hole in the middle of the defense.
After parting ways with Devin Bush and Myles Jack this offseason, the Steelers tried to completely revamp the position with the additions of Holcomb, Alexander and Elandon Roberts. As a group they played well when healthy, but now Roberts is the only one of the three still playing this season.
Second-year player Mark Robinson will need to take on a far more significant role moving forward.
The Steelers have also been playing without starting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick the past couple of weeks, leaving the team with a host of backups in the middle of the field. Pittsburgh still managed to limit both the Titans and Packers to under 20 points while winning each game. Fitzpatrick should be back soon and that will help. The linebacker corps will continue to be a major concern.
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