PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Help needed on the South Side with Steelers receivers. A group that already had some questions in its depth--now big trade-and-sign receiver Michael Pittman is on injured reserve. Starting to come into his own a bit, Roman Wilson is out this week and likely more with a dislocated finger. A TD catch this year, Ben Skowronek is also out.
That’s three of the top five receivers on the depth chart that won’t play against Tampa Bay on Sunday.
Where do the Steelers turn now?
“I think that's what's nice about having the flexibility with the tight ends,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio. “I think the way -- with the versatility of Darnell [Washington] and Pat [Freiermuth], you saw it the other night, we're in -- maybe a play is out of 11 personnel, but we quickly can flip and
get it out of 12 personnel.”
“Those guys did a really good job of that. I think you saw that in the third and fourth quarter with the injuries.”
Pat Freiermuth had a pair of touchdowns against the Colts and Rodgers discussed his love for Darnell Washington last week and how he respects his preparation. There is constant external discussion about using more ‘12’ personnel (two tight ends) regardless.
“Love it,” head coach Mike McCarthy said of their tight end versatility. “I love all three of them too. I think [Robert Tonyan] gives us another veteran piece there that you can — I say this all the time: You're either playing in one-back, two-back, or no backs. We can play in all three of those categories with our three tight ends.
That's what you like.”
“I think Pat and Darnell have really established themselves. I think they give us a lot of flexibility to do things, to play big, to play open, just conceptually not have to get away from anything if we don't have the third receiver, for instance. That's what you want out of your tight end group.”
Other than the already established DK Metcalf, the other remaining of the top handful of receivers is rookie, second-round pick Germie Bernard had six receptions for 80 yards against Indianapolis. He started the game and played most of the way.
“I was really proud of Germ, the way he stepped in,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said postgame. The veteran has been testing him with pop-quizzes about the offense and according to receivers coach Adam Henry, he’s been excelling at the playbook. He’s also proud to be a willing blocker.”
“Football comes easy to him,” McCarthy said. “I think there's some young-guy mistakes he made yesterday, but you can see it coming. I think he's acclimated very well to the offense. The ability to play all three positions, he sticks his nose in there in the run game too. I've been very, very impressed.”
Brandon Smith was activated off the practice squad for the game Sunday. The 6’2”, 215-pound third-year receiver hasn’t taken a ton of offensive reps, but was in training camp with the Steelers and played with Rodgers in New York.
“Always enjoyed him being on the field and his ability,” Rodgers said. “I think he’s a talented guy.”
“He's steady,” Angelichio said. “He's always got a smile on his face and he works hard. With Brandon, he was in there in plays that he didn't get any reps [in]
during the week. He certainly stepped in and did a great job. I think that's the accountability that you're looking for from these players. You've always got to be ready. When your number is called, you've got to deliver, and Brandon did that.”
Another option is a player who is active every week, returner Kaeden Wetjen. The rookie was an All Big 10 returner, but had only 23 receptions for 197 yards, an 8.6 per reception average for his college career at Iowa. He’s 5’9”, 196 pounds and says he knows the offense and is ready for whatever.
“I typically stand with them the whole time and make sure I’m getting the calls and putting myself in the game (mentally). Got a couple guys down, probably going to have to step up a little the next couple of weeks.”
Wetjen said while he hasn’t had the physical reps with Rodgers, he does ask him a lot of questions to prove he’s ready when needed.
Then there is what is available outside the building. Last year the team picked up Adam Thielen, who has since retired, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who is currently with the Chargers, played five games with 10 receptions for 80 yards with the Steelers last year and had success with Rodgers in Green Bay.
Steelers are going into a stretch of winnable games. How are they going to solve their receiver issue?
Coaches players discuss options
Coaches players discuss options
