Steelers WR Gunner Olszewski's Chances Of Sticking Around In Pittsburgh Are Tremendously Impacted By NFL's New Kickoff Rule

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still two months away from having to make a final decision on their initial 53-man roster for the 2023 season. With training camp on the horizon, fans are excited to watch positional battles take place and for "camp darlings" to make an unexpected push to make the team. One of the most highly anticipated competitions will be at wide receiver. While the top four of Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robison, and Calvin Austin III are likely set in place, there will be a multitude of players battling for the final two, or possibly even one, spot. 

Historically speaking, the Steelers have kept either five or six wide receivers on their opening 53-man roster. With second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett poised to push the ball down the field more this upcoming season, many have predicted the team will opt to carry six receivers. However, a new rule passed by NFL owners this offseason allowing returners to fair catch on kickoffs and receive the ball on the 25-yard line may alter these plans. As a result, players such as Gunner Olszewski, may be on the outside looking in when roster cuts happen later this summer. 

With the Steelers need for a dynamic return man not being a top priority due to the recently passed rule, the team may feel comfortable in letting a player such as Olszewski walk and opt to fill the void with an extra defensive back, offensive linemen, etc. During a recent chat transcript written by Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, he details what the Steelers might intend to do at wide receiver going into the 2023 season. 

"Johnson, Pickens and Robinson are locks. I think Austin is close to a lock too. He just has to stay healthy. [Miles] Boykin has chance because he can play on [special] teams. Gunner also, but his value was diminished when the owners adopted the fair catch rule on kickoffs," answered Fittipaldo. 

Do The Steelers Need Six Receivers On The Roster? 

As Fittipaldo points out, the quartet of Johnson, Pickens, Robinson, and Austin III will be responsible for a lion's share of the production from the receiver group in 2023. Any other player who makes the team from the position will undoubtedly need to prove their worth on special teams. This is why Boykin, who was widely regarded as the Steelers' best player on special teams in 2022, is a viable option to make the team. Furthermore, at 6'4" and 220 pounds, he is a threat in the red zone and is a willing blocker in the run game. 

Which Positional Group Would Benefit Most From Only Having 5 Receivers? 

While it is certainly possible for a receiver such as Hakeem Butler, Jordan Byrd, or Dez Fitzpatrick to play well enough in training camp and preseason to earn a spot on the roster, the Steelers may feel they are better suited in having an additional player at another position. For instance, the team has an incredibly deep group of defensive linemen. With the Steelers' outspoken desire of stopping the run in 2023, having an additional player, such as Breiden Fehoko or Armon Watts may prove to help achieve this goal. 

Furthermore, the Steelers are equally as focused in running the football effectively on the offensive side of the ball. Could this open a door for a player such as Spencer Anderson or Le'Raven Clark? Possibly even a fullback in Monte Pottebaum? All realistic options. It will be interesting to keep an eye on when training camp practices start on July 27th to see who is making the necessary plays to catch the eyes of the coaching staff.

Thoughts, Steeler Nation?

How many wide receivers should the Steelers keep on the team in 2023? Do you believe Olszewski is a safe bet to stick around in Pittsburgh? How about Boykin? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

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