The Pittsburgh Steelers are using some time in training camp and preseason to try out some new things. There's the new kickoff rule that they can experiment with, which Danny Smith is already all over. There may be some certain plays that they want to try with their new system. They are even having players try new positions, like having DeMarvin Leal play more like an edge rusher. Leal is not the only player that is looking to make the roster with a new position, however.
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Former UCF QB John Rhys Plumlee throwing a football during a game.
John Rhys Plumlee came into camp with the goal of making the team as a quarterback. He previously stated that he would be a quarterback and that was that. However, everything he has done throughout training camp and preseason says otherwise, as he was on special teams during the team's Week 1 preseason loss. He was used as a returner and a protector for the punter, among other positions.
In the first practice after that game, Plumlee has started playing elsewhere. He was on the second-team offense, but as a wide receiver in the slot. He even made a couple of nice catches during the limited reps he received
And another one! Plumlee leapt up and made a nice catch on his third rep at WR.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 11, 2024
Plumlee has also repped at KR throughout camp. https://t.co/HRZT0JkOgJ
After initially stating that he would only be a quarterback, Plumlee seems to have quickly changed his tune. Fourth-string quarterbacks don't make the roster unless injuries occur, and Kyle Allen seemingly secured himself a spot on the squad after he had a solid outing in the opening preseason game. That means that Plumlee will have to prove his worth elsewhere if he wants to be on the roster.
Matthew Hinton / AP Photo
UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (10) runs against Tulane safety Lummie Young IV (23) during a collegiate game played in New Orleans in November 2022.
Steelers Have A Spot On The Roster For Plumlee
Plumlee started taking reps during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) at kickoff returner, and he continued with that during the preseason game, as he had two returns. Obviously, Cordarrelle Patterson will be the primary return man, but Plumlee got his chance due to his injury. There are still multiple return man spots available, and doing well in that regards could help him win a job.
The Steelers' wide receiver room is wide open for the taking, especially after Quez Watkins had a terrible game, as well as Roman Wilson's unfortunate injury. Now is a great time for Plumlee to work as a receiver and be the Taysom Hill clone that he was rumored to be throughout rookie minicamp. He still has a lot to work on, but if he can make the team, he could make a career off of playing anywhere and everywhere.
John Rhys Plumlee-Twitter
Steelers QB John Rhys Plumlee started his college career at Old Miss.
If the Steelers do want to keep Plumlee, they will have to keep him on the 53-man roster. If they cut him to try and keep him on the practice squad, he could leave the team for the UFL, as he was drafted in the first round by the Arlington Renegades. There, Plumlee would be able to work on his skills as a quarterback, like he wanted to when he first entered the league. After that, the Steelers may have to compete with other teams to try and sign him again.
Plumlee's spot on the Steelers' roster is not at all guaranteed, but it appears as if the Steelers want to do everything they can to keep him on the roster as opposed to losing him to a spring league. Mike Tomlin loves versatile players, and Plumlee's ability to play multiple positions in multiple facets of the game can only sit well with him. Will it work? Only time will tell.
What do you think about Plumlee having a nice outing at wide receiver? Could he make the team as the modern-day "slash?" Let us know in the comments.
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