Tyler Matakevich ready in case of more injuries at inside linebacker for Steelers
Vince Williams missed another practice with a hamstring injury, and Mark Barron got a scheduled day off, giving veteran Tyler Matakevich a chance to get some first-team work at inside linebacker Thursday.
Matakevich expects to be back at his customary role as a core special teams player Monday night when the Pittsburgh Steelers play the Cincinnati Bengals, but he is appreciative of any chance he gets to run with the starters.
“We’re down a little bit at ‘backer,” Matakevich said. “If something happens, I’m ready to go.”
Williams is listed as questionable after he missed Week 3 and nearly all of Week 2 with his injury. Barron and rookie Devin Bush have taken all of the snaps at inside linebacker since Williams went down.
Matakevich, meanwhile, has made one start in 50 career games, and he will be ready in case the team’s depth at inside linebacker is weakened further. Rookie sixth-round pick Ulysees Gilbert is the other inside linebacker on the roster.
“You just have to be ready,” Matakevich said. “I continue to do what I do, do what I do on teams. I want to be out there more than anything, but you’ve got to be patient and do whatever you can to help the team out.”
Also not practicing because of injury were cornerback Joe Haden (shoulder), outside linebacker Anthony Chickillo (foot) and tight end Vance McDonald (shoulder). Outside linebacker Jayrone Elliott was a limited participant.
In addition to Barron, center Maurkice Pouncey was rested as a coach’s decision.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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