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Roethlisberger Calls Out Steelers' Struggling Linebackers
8 Oct
Summary
- Roethlisberger urges linebackers Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson to improve.
- Both LBs struggled with missed tackles in the recent Browns game.
- Wilson leads the NFL in missed tackles this season.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger believes the team's linebackers need a significant improvement against the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday. Roethlisberger specifically identified Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson as players who must perform better, noting their recent struggles.
Queen and Wilson both had a difficult game during the Steelers' recent loss to the Cleveland Browns, with tackling being a major issue. The team collectively missed fourteen tackles in that game. Payton Wilson has recorded seven missed tackles through four games in the 2026 season, leading the NFL in this category.
Adding to the scrutiny, former Steelers linebacker Vince Williams commented that Queen appeared to be playing conservatively, possibly due to contract considerations. Queen is playing on a $10.83 million base salary this season and has not fully justified his three-year, $41 million contract signed in March 2024. Both linebackers are expected to face a tough challenge against Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.
