The Pittsburgh Steelers responded in a big way Saturday, beating the Cincinnati Bengals 34-11 in a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, not all news was great for the Steelers following the game, and their inside linebacker position continues to be ravaged by injuries.

Already without Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb, the Steelers saw Elandon Roberts leave the game with what was deemed a pectoral injury. Originally he was labeled as doubtful to return, before being downgraded to out.

UPDATE: Roberts has been downgraded to OUT.

— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 23, 2023

After the game, Mike Tomlin said Roberts will need to be evaluated, but Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette saw Roberts with his left arm in a sling as the team celebrated in the locker room.

Steelers ILB Elandon Roberts has his left arm in a sling in the locker room. Left the game early with a pectoral injury.

— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) December 24, 2023

Unfortunately, as fans likely remember from last season with T.J. Watt’s injured pectoral muscle, even if it wasn’t completely torn, it takes time to heal before you can return to the team. Unfortunately, time is the one thing the Steelers don’t have as they only have two games remaining in their regular season, needing to win both to have a prayer at getting into the playoffs.

They’ll have to do so with Mykal Walker, Myles Jack and a myriad of other bodies who might be called into action to help ease the burden of a position Tomlin said they feel as if they are “snake bit”. Can’t say I blame the coach after another horrible season of injuries at that position.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday in Week 17 of the regular season.