Steelers Hosted Veteran Linebacker Elandon Roberts

The Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed back veteran Elandon Roberts for a visit on Monday amid defensive struggles.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football

Steelers Hosted Veteran Linebacker Elandon Roberts

Live Poll

Should your local NFL team prioritize signing veteran players to address defensive performance issues?

The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted 32-year-old linebacker Elandon Roberts for a visit on Monday. The team is currently considering adding the 11th-year veteran to their practice squad to bolster an interior linebacker unit that has struggled with tackling this season.

Why it matters

The Steelers are looking to address a critical defensive issue, as their interior linebacker group has missed more tackles than any other team in the NFL this season.

During the 2026 preseason, Elandon Roberts recorded nine total tackles and two tackles for loss for the Steelers. Throughout his 11-season career, the linebacker has accumulated 694 tackles, 37 quarterback hits, and five forced fumbles.

The players

Elandon Roberts

He is an 11-year NFL veteran linebacker who has played for multiple franchises and previously spent two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers

They are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh that competes in the North Division of the American Football Conference.

The details

Roberts, who previously played for Pittsburgh in 2023 and 2024 before a 2025 stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, participated in the team's training camp earlier this year. His return for a visit follows a challenging defensive period for the organization.

Elandon Roberts played for the Steelers in 2023 and 2024.
Roberts played for the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2025 season.
The Steelers hosted Elandon Roberts for a visit on Monday, October 12, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The potential addition of Roberts reflects an urgent effort by the Steelers to shore up the middle of their defense as they navigate mid-season tackling deficiencies. Securing a veteran presence could stabilize the unit and improve the team's standing in a highly competitive division.

Adding Roberts to the practice squad provides the Steelers with an immediate insurance policy for their struggling interior linebacker rotation. His presence on the roster would offer a high-tackle-volume option should the team decide to elevate him for active game duty.

The takeaway

The Steelers are prioritizing experienced depth to correct ongoing defensive lapses in the middle of the field. Readers should watch for a formal roster transaction that would officially return the veteran to the active organization.