PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – With number two receiver Michael Pittman out a couple of weeks, opportunities are there for other Steelers receivers. What are the options to replace the $19 million veteran.
“He’s a good player, definitely draws attention on the defensive side,” said Steelers receiver DK Metcalf. “It gives an opportunity for other guys to step up and be thrust into that role and show what they can do.”
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers may look more to Metcalf, although with Pittman out, as DK said, he might see more double-teams or at least safeties sneaking over to pay attention to the 6’4” Metcalf.
The improving 3rd rounder
Third-year receiver Roman Wilson is coming off a season-high 74 yards receiving and in the last two games combined—6 receptions for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns. He can play inside or outside.
“Just watching more film, watching guys around the league, watching myself,” Wilson said. “Learning from Pitt (Pittman), even learning from Germ (Bernard), he’s a really good route-runner.”
“I’m just looking to get better every day and do what I can to help this team win games”
“I mean he's going to get a lot of opportunities,” Rodgers said. “He's good in the slot. He's good outside. He has that special skill of his speed and he plays really fast. You’d like to see him keep it a little more north and south on that catch and run, but trust his speed because he's so damn fast. But I have a lot of faith, a lot of trust in Roman.”
“I love when he's out there. We’ve just got to keep giving him opportunities.”
The rookie
Rookie Germie Bernard has only seven receptions, but is a willing blocker. He enjoys blocking, saying he wants others to have success. Beyond that he’s earned praise for his route running.
“I think I’ve progressed each week, learning a lot,” Bernard said. “Learning a lot from Aaron and from the defenses and different coverages and disguises. Just asking questions, I think my game has grown, knowledge-wise.”
“You always have to be prepared because you don’t know what is going to happen. I think we have a lot of great, talented guys in our room that are more than prepared to take on what’s at hand. For me, I’m ready to step up and do what I can.”
The tight ends
Running more of two tight end sets is another option. It’s not that we haven’t seen it, but it can be used more often. They have formations where Pat Freiermuth splits out, you can run more of those.
Read more about Darnell Washington below
Aaron Rodgers loves Darnell Washington
Freiermuth is also a big target with great hands, 14 catches on 19 targets with a pair of touchdowns. There is more there, Freiermuth has a 63 and 65-catch season on his resume with 24 career touchdowns. Pittman was to be counted on to roam the middle and take heat off Metcalf, this could be a huge opportunity for Freiermuth when his team needs an answer.
The other options
- Rodgers has a tight relationship with Ben Skowronek. He already has a touchdown and is more than a special teams player, he has receiver skills
- Riley Nowakowski is a little used fullback who had 32 receptions for 387 yards and two touchdowns for the national champions last year
- Jaylen Warren is not a new option, he’s been used a lot, but in this scenario, find him even more
- Eli Heidenreich set a Navy record with 941 yards receiving last year averaging 18.5 yards per reception. Heidenreich hasn’t been active the last couple of weeks, but in looking for options, he could be used in different roles
From young receivers, to tight ends, to less proven options
From young receivers, to tight ends, to less proven options
