Carson Bruener Waiting in the Wings as Steelers' Linebackers Thrive

After a strong preseason that appeared to put him in position for a larger role, second-year linebacker Carson Bruener is still waiting for his opportunity on defense.

While the Pittsburgh Steelers have raced out to a 6-2 record and benefitted from strong play across the roster, Bruener has yet to log a defensive snap despite continuing to make his presence felt on special teams.

That lack of playing time isn't necessarily an indictment of Bruener's performance. In fact, the former Washington standout has impressed throughout training camp and the preseason, showing solid instincts, physicality, and a knack for finding the football. Since the regular season began, he has remained one of Pittsburgh's most productive special teamers, recording nine tackles.

Likely the main reason Bruener has remained on the sidelines defensively comes down to the players ahead of him. Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson have formed a highly effective inside linebacker tandem, giving the Steelers little reason to alter a formula that has helped produce one of the AFC's better starts. Both players have consistently made plays against the run while providing stability in coverage, limiting opportunities for depth linebackers to carve out defensive snaps.

Still, that doesn't mean Bruener's opportunity won't come. An NFL season is long, and linebacker depth is often tested by injuries, fatigue, and situational packages.

With Queen and Wilson playing at a high level and Pittsburgh sitting at 6-2, there has simply been little incentive to change what's working. However, if an opportunity presents itself later in the season, Bruener has positioned himself well to take advantage of it. Until then, he'll continue doing what he's done all year: making an impact wherever the Steelers need him, even if that impact isn't showing up on the defensive stat sheet.