Steelers notebook: Rookies DeMarvin Leal, Mark Robinson make mark on defense in win

BALTIMORE — Kenny Pickett wasn’t the only Pittsburgh Steelers rookie who had his proverbial fingerprints all over Sunday’s win at the Baltimore Ravens. Two recent draft picks played significant roles on the defense in the 16-13 victory.

Defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal and inside linebacker Mark Robinson each earned a start, and neither was ceremonial nor the result of a special subpackage personnel grouping that happened to come on the first snap. Leal (27) and Robinson (26) each played at least half of the Steelers’ 52 defensive snaps Sunday.

“Can’t say enough about young guys, Leal and Mark Robinson, stepping up,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “The reason why we played them is, although they lack experience, the type of game that we were in lended itself to their approach to ball. They’re combative, confrontational young people, and it was needed.”

Robinson finished with seven tackles (two solo), third-most on the team. Leal had three tackles. They were part of a defense that held the Ravens to well under their season average for rushing yards, total yards and points.

A seventh-round pick, Robinson started in place of Devin Bush. A third-round pick, Leal played more than defensive line teammates Tyson Alualu, Isaiahh Loudermilk and Rennell Wren, and just two fewer snaps than Montravius Adams.

Before Sunday, Robinson and Leal had combined for just 11 game appearances and 140 defensive snaps over the Steelers’ first 15 games this season. The rookies’ performances caught the attention of their more veteran teammates.

“Mark throws his face in the fan. Every time, he is going to hit hard,” outside linebacker T.J. Watt said. “I’m super proud of the development he is showing this year. Leal, he’s a ‘yes’ guy. He’s going to do whatever it takes to win for this team, whether it’s dropping in coverage, or rushing the passer, or sitting in the C-gap. I’m really proud of those guys.”

Injury report 

Linebacker Myles Jack and cornerback James Pierre did not finish Sunday’s game because of groin and head injuries, respectively. Tomlin did not address injuries postgame.

Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick suffered an ankle injury early during the third quarter. Though he appeared in significant pain, Fitzpatrick missed only a handful of plays before returning to the game later in the same Baltimore possession.

“Rolled it pretty bad,” Fitzpatrick said after the game. “It’s hurting, but I finished the game. I was feeling it every play, but I could finish the game.”

Pickett absorbed a hit during the third quarter that had him under the watchful eye of several members of the medical staff — including Steelers physician Dr. James Bradley and head trainer John Norwig — for several moments.

“Just minor in-game stuff,” Pickett said. “AFC North ball, man. Physical game. So, you know, I was glad to be able to stay out there and finish it.”

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