Steelers HC Mike Tomlin says former seventh-rounder could see bigger role

The Steelers have some big decisions to make after seeing a couple of injuries to key players. That is exactly why head coach Mike Tomlin believes one of their former seventh-round picks could see his role increased.

Veteran LB Cole Holcomb suffered a season-ending knee injury in the team's Week 9 win against the Titans and Tomlin noted, via Steelers beat writer Nick Farabaugh, that Mark Robinson, a seventh-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2022, could be in line for a bigger role as a result.

Holcomb, who had 54 tackles, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery on the season, is expected to make a full recovery, which is great news after he signed a three-year, $18 million deal with the Steelers this offseason. But the rest of the inside linebacker unit must step up to fill his absence.

Robinson will certainly be one of those that will see more action. The second-year linebacker has just five tackles in eight games played this season.

However, veteran linebackers Kwon Alexander and Elandon Roberts will surely have their roles increased as well. 

Tomlin told reporters that Alexander, who has 41 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one interception will wear the green dot, previously worn by Holcomb, meaning he'll be on the field for most of the snaps.

Roberts, who has 48 tackles and 1.5 sacks, will likely see the field more too as he has proven to be one of Pittsburgh's best defenders against the run.

Although the injury to Holcomb is a tough blow to the defense, the Steelers should be just fine with Alexander, Roberts and Robinson as the next men up. Steelers beat writer Nick Farabaugh noted that Tomlin called their three inside linebackers a "luxury."