The Pittsburgh Steelers still have a lot of decisions to make in terms of building their roster, and that includes the receiver room. While it is an overall weak core, there is still a lot of depth at the position, and with one more preseason game left, this could be their final chance to earn their spot on the roster. Can Quez Watkins redeem himself from a poor opening preseason game? Can Dez Fitzpatrick or Scotty Miller force their way onto the 53-man roster?
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Steelers' Justin Fields throws the football during Friday Night Lights.
During his post-practice interview, Justin Fields praised some of his receivers, but not the common ones. He instead talked about a couple of the second-team wideouts that he has worked with so far.
#Steelers QB Justin Fields on what he's seen from the WRs.
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) August 22, 2024
"I feel bad when guys are one-on-one with Scotty (Miller). He makes a lot of guys look foolish out there on the field. Calvin (Austin III) – he's a guy that can take the top off the defense and get open in small spaces."
Everyone already knows what George Pickens brings to the table, and Fields has been working more with the second-team offense ever since Russell Wilson finally got healthy enough to practice near the end of training camp. Because of that, Fields had to work with the rest of the backups and see if he couldn't help finding a diamond in the rough, and it seems like he did just that for the Steelers.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Scotty Miller catches a pass during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills in 2024.
The Steelers have known all about Calvin Austin III's speed ever since they scouted him in 2022, so that is nothing new. With Roman Wilson's injury, Austin may get more reps in the slot, especially during the beginning of the season. The Steelers are still waiting for him to have his breakout year, and with the circumstances that the receiver room is in at this point, this could be his best shot at that.
While the Steelers are familiar with Austin's game, they're learning a lot about Miller. It helps that he is used to Arthur Smith's system, as he spent the 2023 season under him while he was a member of the Atlanta Falcons. He did not have a lot of production offensively, as he only caught 11 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns during his lone season in Georgia. Would that change for the Steelers?
Steelers May Have A Roster Spot For Miller
Even though Miller only has one punt return in his five-year career, he has had some reps as a returner during the Steelers' preseason games. After Watkins struggled to return punts during the team's preseason Week 1 loss, Miller has taken over and has done a much better job overall, even though he only has one return so far. His awareness and hands have been better during punts, leading to better field position and no turnovers, and that could be the difference between unemployment and a permanent roster spot.
Danny Karnik / ap photo
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Scotty Miller attempts to catch a ball against Atlanta.
It also helps that Miller has six receptions for 65 yards over the course of the preseason so far. He has been making his mark on the team, especially with how he has made the defensive backs for both the Steelers and their opponents look foolish so far. Even though Miller may not see the field very often, he could wind up on the roster and force the team to find ways to utilize his speed and skill.
While Austin will likely be the primary punt returner, it's always good to have some depth there as well. He has proven that he can hold his own, and Russell Wilson has even compared him to his old friend from the Seattle Seahawks. Even though neither Austin nor Miller are big names, they have both had a nice preseason and could make Omar Khan's decision much easier regarding their position.
What do you think about Fields praising Miller and Austin? How much will they contribute to the Steelers during the 2024 season? Let us know in the comments.
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