Steelers Veteran Additions Earned Their Place on Roster

It may not have been the initial plan, but both are set to play key roles for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Patrick Graham's defense this season.

Aug 03, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins (3) participates in a practice session at Training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

PITTSBURGH -- A pair of late additions to the Pittsburgh Steelers roster might become indispensible players for the defense this season.

Neither safety Rayshawn Jenkins, nor inside linebacker Elandon Roberts were on the Steelers' initial 90-man (technically 91 man, shoutout Julius Welschoff and the NFL's International Pathway Program) roster. Initially, the Steelers signed Darnell Savage to be the primary backup at safety, while veteran Cole Holcomb and Carson Bruener occupied the backup middle linebacker spots.

With one preseason game left before the 2026 regular season kicks off, Savage is long gone and the ILB room has been vigorously shaken up with Roberts's arrival. It may not have been the initial plan, but both Jenkins and Roberts are set to play key roles for Patrick Graham's defense this season.

How Jenkins Improves Steelers

Versatility is the trait most often discussed by the Steelers' coaching staff. What that means for players like Jenkins, is being able to bring a few different skills that a coordinator loves to utilize and also being available as a special teams contributor.

Jenkins is exactly that kind of player at this stage of his NFL career. With plenty of starting experience under his belt, he provides a veteran mentor to rookie Robert Spears-Jennings and a suitable backup behind DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker. His speed remains an asset, and Graham was already showing how he might use him in the regular season by sending him on several blitzes in the first half.

Jenkins also brings special teams skills. That same speed also makes him valuable to the kick-off, kick and punt return teams. After a standout showing against the Jets, expect to see plenty more of Jenkins in the regular season.

Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) reacts after stopping the Baltimore Ravens on a two point conversion attempt during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

How Roberts Improves Steelers

It's pretty simple what Roberts brings to Pittsburgh, and it's the same thing he brought his first around. The veteran is a leader in the locker room and on the field. He set the tone during just his second practice with the team, making a hit on a teammate despite head coach Mike McCarthy's no live-tackling rule.

But his play against the Jets answered any remaining questions about if he can still play or how much is left in the tank. He looked like a man amongst boys during his reps in the second preseason game.

And now, the Steelers have three starters for two positions at the inside linebacker. Roberts is their downhill, run-stuffing force, who can take some of the burden off of Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen.

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