diff --git a/projects/pt1/python/torch_mlir_e2e_test/linalg_on_tensors_backends/refbackend.py b/projects/pt1/python/torch_mlir_e2e_test/linalg_on_tensors_backends/refbackend.py
index 9c33d8fd504d..ad2669c51d50 100644
--- a/projects/pt1/python/torch_mlir_e2e_test/linalg_on_tensors_backends/refbackend.py
+++ b/projects/pt1/python/torch_mlir_e2e_test/linalg_on_tensors_backends/refbackend.py
@@ -139,6 +139,7 @@ def invoke(*args):
     "sparse-assembler",
     "sparsification-and-bufferization",
     "sparse-storage-specifier-to-llvm",
+    "inline",  # inline sparse helper methods where useful
     # Bufferize.
     "func.func(scf-bufferize)",
     "func.func(tm-tensor-bufferize)",