Kenny Robinson Shooting Up Steelers Depth Chart
LATROBE -- The Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary has been devastated by injuries during the first six practices of 2023 training camp. Of the six safeties listed on the 90-man roster to begin the week, three - Minkah Fitzpatrick (personal reasons), Damontae Kazee (ankle) and Keanu Neal (undisclosed) - won't be able to practice as the week draws to a close.
With those three top of the depth chart options sidelined, the Steelers must look down their roster for bodies to fill their first team defense. That's created a golden opportunity for Kenny Robinson, a third-year safety out of West Virginia and Wilkinsburg native in his first season with the Steelers, and he's capitalized, putting himself in prime position to earn a roster spot when camp is over.
"It just feels good having that opportunity that I haven't had in a while," Robinson told All Steelers. "Me, with this team giving me this opportunity, I'm working hard. It's coming to get better everyday and it feels good to have it pay off."
Robinson has not just appeared with the first team, but played well with the top line. When the pads came on this week, Robinson was able to show off his trademark physicality as a run-stopper and even make plays in the passing game, snatching two interceptions in team drills.
Following the lead of guys like Tre Norwood, another reserve who's also had to wait his turn and running with the first team, in addition to taking on some on-field leadership responsibilities, as the Steelers wait out returns from injury.
"I'm kind of an old guy now that I've been in this system so I have kind of taken over a leadership role just making sure the new guys that haven't been here that long, making sure their comfortable out there," Norwood said.
Norwood has spent a lot of time opposite Robinson on the field over the past few practices. He's seen Robinson take this new, unexpected opportunity and run with it.
"He's a great, physical safety that can play in the box, play in the post," Norwood said. "That's a guy who's definitely been taking advantage of the reps."
Robinson had been trending towards earning a 53-man roster spot ever since the beginning of camp. The recent attrition at his position and his own play on the practice field at St. Vincent College have put him over the top, all but solidifying his place on the regular season roster.
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