The Pittsburgh Steelers got to evaluate their talent in a game setting for the first time on Friday night during their preseason opener. There were some good moments, and certain players performed well. However, it was mostly a sloppy showing from the Steelers. Pittsburgh fumbled on each of its first two possessions, and special teams was horrific throughout the entire game. There was a bad snap on an extra point attempt, and wide receiver Quez Watkins muffed a punt which led to the Houston Texans second touchdown of the night.
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Steelers' Quez Watkins stands with his hands on his hips at OTAs.
Watkins is a receiver who is on the roster bubble, and it's crucial for him to make a good impression in order to crack the final 53. His first performance in a Steelers uniform wasn't good considering the muffed punt, as well as a punt he fair caught with no one really near him. Pittsburgh may even decide to move on from Watkins before final roster cuts, as insider Ray Fittipaldo believes his days in training camp may be numbered after his poor performance.
"If Quez Watkins is trying to make the roster as a punt returner, he might want to try another avenue. He misjudged two punts from Texans punter Tommy Townsend, the second of which he fumbled. The Texans recovered in Steelers territory and scored their second touchdown a few plays later. Watkins better start making some plays at receiver or his days in camp could be numbered."
The Steelers' wide receiver room has been a main talking point of the offseason, especially since Diontae Johnson was traded away. There are a lot of question marks behind George Pickens, including Watkins.
The former Philadelphia Eagles receiver didn't contribute anything on the offensive side of the ball for Pittsburgh, which makes it tough to argue why he should stick around. If he can't be an asset in the passing game, and isn't reliable as a return man, there is no reason for Pittsburgh to keep him around.
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Steelers' Quez Watkins muffs a punt during the first preseason game against the Texans in 2024.
A lot of players on the edge of making an NFL roster are able to due to their contributions on special teams. In this case, it might be the reason Watkins gets released. Pittsburgh values versatility in all three phases of the game.
If a player is fourth or fifth receiver, he better be able to return kicks or get down the field to make tackles on special teams. The struggles seen Friday night put a serious blemish on the resume of Watkins, and they will certainly be brought up when the coaching staff discusses the final roster.
Pittsburgh kept a receiver on the final roster going into the 2023 season who could also contribute as a returner: Gunner Olszewski. He was released after the team's second game, as he fumbled on offense and caught a kickoff and went out of bounds within the 10-yard line. This will certainly be in the back of Mike Tomlin's head as he puts together his roster for the 2024 season. He doesn't want a repeat of the 2023 season.
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Steelers' Calvin Austin III catches a pass during mandatory minicamp in 2024.
Steelers Saw Other Receivers Shine During Preseason Opener
Watkins poor performance doesn't bode well for him when it comes to making the team, and neither does being outplayed by other receivers. Both Calvin Austin III and Scotty Miller put forth inspiring performances. They each led the team in receiving, as Austin recorded 49 receiving yards while Miller chipped in 47.
Even Tarik Black, who went undrafted in 2021 and has bounced around several practice squads, managed to get open and catch a ball for 11 yards. Watkins was a contributor while in Philadelphia, but he is certainly struggling to get his career back on track. If he doesn't turn his play around soon, he will be looking at spending the 2024 season on a practice squad or unsigned.
What did you think of the performance from Watkins? Do you think he will make the roster? Let us know in the comments below!
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