The depth of the Pittsburgh steelers linebackers will be put to the test on Monday night against the Miami Dolphins. According to the Friday practice report, outside linebacker T.J. Watt was back to practice fully while he recovers from an abdominal injury but inside linebacker Mark Barron was limited with a hamstring injury.
Pittsburgh cannot afford to be without Watt this week. The Steelers put Anthony Chickillo on the Commissioner’s Exempt list after his arrest meaning if Watt cannot go, Ola Adeniyi would start and Jayrone Elliott would be the only viable backup for Adeniyi and Bud Dupree. Against the Dolphins it would be nice if the Steelers didn’t have to give Watt a heavy workload regardless.
As for Barron, if he cannot go this week, things are better for the inside linebackers. Rookie Devin Bush is a star and is quickly developing into an elite defensive player. Along with Vince Williams, they form an impressive tandem in the middle of that 3-4 defense. As far as depth if Barron cannot player, Tyler Matakevich is a steady performer with a great head for the game.
