The Pittsburgh Steelers and head coach, Mike Tomlin have made a change in the return game. Steven Sims will be the team's return man this weekend against the Buffalo Bills, as reported out by Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
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This could all but end the short tenure in Pittsburgh for Gunner Olszewski. Brought in this past off-season on a two-year deal after the team let Ray-Ray McCloud walk, Olszewski has been highly disappointing. Formerly of the New England Patriots, he enjoyed an All-Pro season as a returner just two seasons ago. In four games with the Steelers, Olszewski has averaged just 7.2 yards on just five punt returns.
Even more concerning, he's fumbled it twice. He's clearly lost some confidence as a result, and he's failed to provide anything on offense either. Aside from an 18-yard run against the Cleveland Browns, Olszewski has one other touch on offense this season. He's failed to even garner a target, so now, his roster spot is severely in jeopardy, especially with rookie Calvin Austin III's return right around the corner.
As for Sims, he made some impressive plays throughout training camp in Latrobe, as well as the preseason. That goes for the return game, but he also showed to be more of a threat offensively than Olszewski. The news comes as no surprise, as Tomlin echoed his doubts for their return game in his press conference on Tuesday.
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While Olszewski remains on the roster, for now, the team may just be waiting on Austin's return at this point. If he's not returning kicks and/or punts, he doesn't offer the team much of anything. He's only on a two-year, $4.2 million deal, so the team wouldn't be coughing up too much money if they opted to move on from. Regardless, this move signifies it's only a matter of time before he is let go.
Are you surprised that the team gave Olszewski such a short leash? Was this the right move? Once Austin returns from injury, should he or Sims handle the return game duties? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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