5 bold predictions for the Steelers in Week 14 vs. the Bills
By Andrew Falce
Brooks sees snaps at ILB
The Steelers have suffered a slew of issues at inside linebacker this week. For starters, Robert Spillane injured his knee last week and is out of this game. Then, fellow starter Vince Williams was added to the COVID list, making his odds of playing slim at best. Now, veteran addition Avery Williamson is set to start, while the only other inside linebacker is converted safety Marcus Allen.
While the fact that the starting crew being so banged up is an inherent issue, this still poses some big questions for the depth of the group. The Steelers will likely call up practice squad linebacker Tegray Scales, but that still may not be enough. Thus, Antoine Brooks seems likely to see some snaps as a hybrid linebacker. Given his size and physical style, this role could actually suit him well.
Similar to Allen, Brooks is more of a big box safety than a true deep option. There were talks of a potential conversion to linebacker later on in his career, but he may be forced into the position this game. While he won’t start nor see the most snaps at the position, don’t be surprised to see him take the field as a hybrid linebacker. The Steelers need bodies here, and Brooks seems like a good fit for the short term.