Eric Ebron sounds off on reduced role in Pittsburgh Steelers offense

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron’s playing time and role within the offense have taken a hit this season. He said Monday that he “can’t answer” why that is happening. The eight-year veteran also said the coaches, including first-year offensive coordinator Matt Canada, were better fit to answer questions about his presence and usage.

“It’s hard,” Ebron said, via Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “It’s not my life. I want to be a professional. I’m an adult. I’ve got two kids and I’ve got a wife, people that I lean on and talk to. It’s not only about my image anymore and how I portray myself. It’s the way I think about the people around me. My job is to come here and do what I’m asked to do, and I’ve been doing that to the best of my ability and I think it shows.”

Eric Ebron has seven catches for 47 yards over six games, making just two starts for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He added one carry for a touchdown, playing 47 percent of the offensive so far. His role has been filled by rookie tight end Pat Friermuth, who broke out with an impressive preseason.

Ebron signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Steelers in 2020. His contract set to expire at the end of the season, making him expendable behind the emerging young talent.

Steelers coach addresses rumors

Mike Tomlin has been one of the many high-profile names linked to the USC football head coaching vacancy since Clay Helton was fired earlier this season. In his Tuesday press conference, the current Pittsburgh Steelers head coach also addressed the rumors and speculation that he could possibly leave his NFL career to take the USC job.

“I don’t have time for that speculation,” Tomlin said emphatically. “That’s a joke to me. I’ve got of one of the best jobs in all of professional sports. Why would I have any interest in coaching college football?”

Mike Tomlin also has no background or experience in coaching at the collegiate ranks and he’s widely regarded one of the top NFL coaches year after year. For now, it appears as if Mike Tomlin has absolutely no interest in the USC Trojans vacancy.

“Never say never, but never,” Tomlin added. “There’s not a booster with a big enough blank check.”

The Steelers must now put controversy to side, preparing to face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The road divisional game will kickoff at 1 p.m. ET.