Numbers to why Steelers keep looking for another WR

What could be impacting why they like this group
Steelers receivers at practice
Photo credit 93.7 The Fan

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It’s a Steelers receiving corps that is likely DK Metcalf and then four other receivers. As it sits right now, it’s likely those receivers are Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin, Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek.

Mike Tomlin feels ‘comfortable’ with it, but admits the group is ‘running a little light’. Part of that is Austin and now Skowronek dealing with injuries. Skowronek could play Thursday and Austin has been out a couple of weeks and is just slowly working back.

Let’s assume veteran Robert Woods would sub for Austin if he’s unable to start the season. That would mean the four other Steelers receivers did the following in 2024
·     Woods 20 receptions, 203 yards, 0 TD
·     Skowronek 5 receptions, 69 yards, 0 TD
·     Wilson 5 receptions, 69 yards, 0 TD (yes they had the same numbers)
·     Wilson 0 catches in 1 game
·     If Austin is ready, 36 receptions, 548 yards, 4 TD

If Austin is unable to start the season and while there are still a couple of weeks, Austin would not commit to being ready. The current Steelers receivers, not named DK Metcalf combined for 30 catches, 341 yards, 0 TD. Add Austin, it’s 66 catches, 889 yards, 4 TD.

You can understand, even with the potential of Wilson and the special teams prowess of Skowronek and Miller, why there are continued rumors of the Steelers adding another receiver with Adam Schefter’s news of 26-year-old Gabe Davis (20 receptions, 239 yards, 2 TD with Buffalo last year, but 45-746 yards and 7 TD in 2023) returning for a second Steelers visit.

When asked about who has stepped up this camp with the injury to Austin, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith threw out a couple of names.

“We see Roman, it's been good for his confidence. He's made plays two weeks in a row that's been encouraging,” Smith said. “Things are settling down for him. Scotty's [Miller] always reliable. This guy never gets talked about, but a lot of

trust with him, more importantly, not just from the coaches but the quarterbacks. Brandon Johnson (27-year-old who played in three games with the Steelers last year, had 19 catches for 284 yards, 4 TD in Denver in 2023) he stepped up. Been a good mix.”

“I know Ben [Skowronek] has his toe, whatever’s going on there. I'm sure he can tell you about it, but he had a big role for us last year. I thought he's had a good camp. Then we have a couple of young guys that have to me, made some plays, so it's been an opportunity. Roman’s taking advantage and those other guys have.”

For a team that brought in a 41-year-old quarterback, a pair of Super Bowl champion, 30-plus defensive backs and two of the best receivers in the league last year in Metcalf and TE Jonnu Smith, hoping for young guys or role players doesn’t seem to mesh with the Steelers win-now actions.

Now, it’s likely after Metcalf the Steelers will target their tight ends, Smith and Pat Freiermuth, which makes the need for a proven number two receiver less important. They also have Darnell Washington as the third tight end and Kenneth Gainwell is pass catching threat out of the backfield, but you understand why the rumors persist.

They need to be sure Austin is healthy and Wilson is ready, or an upgrade is understandable.

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