3 Steelers who earned a roster spot in preseason Week 1

Steelers who earned a roster spot: Mark Robinson

This one is a bit of a flier, but stick with me here.

Robinson forced a critical turnover late in the game. It was perhaps the only moment in the entire affair that the Steelers defense looked like, well, the Steelers defense.

While he was a seventh-round pick, that’s hardly a guarantee to make the roster. But Pittsburgh needs more splash plays on defense. Just ask Cam Heyward, who after the win said the one thing this game was missing was more turnovers. Robinson is the only player who delivered for the Steelers.

With the game on the line, Robinson sacked Drew Lock and jarred the ball loose from his blind side. Pittsburgh jumped on the ball, thus changing field position and the end result of their first preseason game.

“It was a great feeling,” Robinson said. “We’re at home, it put my team back on top and helped us get a win so that’s all that matters.”

Tomlin praised Robinson after the game, stating that the Steelers need more of those splash plays. For Tomlin, he doesn’t care where they come from — but he notices when they occur.

“You know, it’s a big play,” Tomlin said. “Not only for him, but for us. Situational splash playmaking to secure victory. We value that.”

Is there a better comment to hear if you’re a player fighting for a roster spot? Robinson has a place on this team, whether it’s on the active roster or the practice squad.