Midway through the 2026 preseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers made the very popular decision to bring back linebacker Elandon Roberts. The Steelers’ linebacking corps was in need of a true thumper and run-stopper, and there was a spot for Roberts to slot in as a big part of the rotation.
Instead, the Steelers surprisingly released Roberts during final roster cuts, meaning they made no additions to the room from a season ago. In Thursday night’s loss to the Cleveland Browns, it was clear that they could
have used No. 50.
Per Mina Kimes, the Steelers allowed 108 yards on missed tackles against Cleveland. It wasn’t a great night for Patrick Queen or Payton Wilson, but especially Wilson. Per Sumer Sports, Wilson was credited with three missed tackles and no run stops. That gives Wilson seven missed tackles on the season, which leads the NFL. Queen has four on the year, and led the league in missed tackles a season ago.
The Browns took advantage of Pittsburgh’s poor tackling, and it was a massive difference-maker in the game, especially on Cleveland’s first score that saw running back Jaleel McLaughlin break multiple tackles on his way to the end zone.
Moving on from Roberts is just another poor roster decision for the Steelers that unfortunately continue to stack up. They should amend their mistake and bring Roberts back to put in the middle of their defense.
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