Steelers Could Add Two LBs for Packers Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers could make a move and add not one, but two inside linebackers for their Week 10 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. 

Tariq Carpenter told All Steelers that he does expect to be elevated from the practice squad for the team's matchup with Green Bay. The undrafted rookie started his NFL career with the Packers but was released just before the season. He signed with Pittsburgh and has spent his time working on his transition from safety to inside linebacker. 

"I've been preparing," Carpenter said. "I've been here since the beginning of the season and coach [Aaron] Curry has been doing a great job of just trying to teach me the position, knowing that I'm new to it. I've been doing a real good job of picking things up, so I'll be ready." 

But the Steelers may not be done there. According to Steelers Now's Nick Farabaugh, Pittsburgh may be planning to add two inside linebackers from the practice squad, elevating Carpenter and veteran Mykal Walker. 

"I have (Aaron Curry), a great coach, getting me up to speed, being with him the last couple days, getting at it," Walker told Steelers Now. "The linebackers have been great. Kwon, I have known him forever, he’s really going to help me. (Roberts), he’s the mastermind of the operation. They are really getting me up to speed. I just want a chance."

Walker, unlike Carpenter, started 12 games for the Atlanta Falcons last season and has played at least 16 games in all three of his first three years. In 2022, he recorded 107 tackles. 

The Steelers lost Cole Holcomb for the season, leaving them with just three active inside linebackers. They only had four heading into the year, but could add two this week as added depth.