One of the Steelers’ most unexpected moves on roster cutdown day was the decision to release veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts.
Talking to the media on Tuesday, Pittsburgh head coach Mike McCarthy was asked to explain the reasoning in cutting Roberts, who signed with the team in mid-August. McCarthy emphasized special teams ability in his response, a phase of the game Roberts saw little playing time in over the summer despite a heavy dose of preseason reps.
“Number one, an outstanding player. (Roberts)
came here late. He’s definitely up to his reputation,” McCarthy said, according to PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh. “You know, I enjoyed him while he was here. I wish him the best of luck. But there’s a lot of things that go into those final decisions. You know, special teams is usually a big part of that once you get passed through the first 11 or 12 going out on the field, offense and defense.”
After cutdown day, Roberts said he was “shocked” by Pittsburgh’s decision. According to Dejan Kovacevic of DK Pittsburgh Sports, there was no handshake agreement to bring Roberts back at some point, and the linebacker was not signed to the team’s initial practice squad.
However, speaking to the media on Monday, team general manger Omar Khan said that the team was “certainly not closing the door” on a reunion with the fan-favorite run stuffer.
“I have a lot of respect for E-Rob,” Khan said. “We have some history with him, and he’s done a good job. Love the player and love the person.”
