Steelers Look to Roman Wilson to Fill Void Left by Injured Calvin Austin
The Pittsburgh Steelers left Dublin, Ireland feeling like contenders in the AFC, and maybe in the league. But they also left without two key players, losing cornerback Jalen Ramsey and wide receiver Calvin Austin III to injuries. Opening the door for a new offensive player to make his mark.
It's been a full season and four games of fans waiting to see what the Steelers have in second-year third-round pick, Roman Wilson. To this point, he hasn't gotten the opportunity - or earned one - and the Steelers have limited their offense to really just two wide receivers in Austin and DK Metcalf.
After the injury to Austin, though, the Steelers need a new starter, and Wilson is next in line.
He also makes the most sense.
Calvin Austin's Replacement Options
The Steelers will be without Austin for "several weeks,"
Pittsburgh now has a decision to make. When it comes to their options, they can take the same approach they took with DeShon Elliott, going outside the organization to find a replacement who has starter-potential and a track record in the NFL.
It only took a few days before Jabrill Peppers was on the roster, meaning Pittsburgh can move quickly and try to get someone in before their Bye Week ends. Someone like Odell Beckham Jr., or a trade target.
They could also look inside the team, which would leave them with a clear top option. Giving an opportunity to Roman Wilson to see if the second-year wideout can take the reigns and fill the void.
Roman Time?
Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek have out-paced Wilson at times this season, and there have been other veterans last season who held roster spots over him throughout an entire year. But this summer, Pittsburgh tried to get Wilson to click, and now being healthy and in his second season, their clearest option to replace Austin in-house is Wilson.
No one truly knows if it'll workout or if Wilson will play well when given an opportunity. There have been times this summer where he's looked like a star in the making. There have been other times when he's looked like a player who was going to spend most of his time on the bench. He's done just that throughout the first four games.
But of all the players on the roster, Wilson is the only one the Steelers don't know what the future holds. He's still considered a player who can turn into a starter in the league, and holds more potential than his playing time alludes.
Giving him a shot with Austin on the bench makes sense. They'll find out if it works over the next few weeks. But it sure feels like it's finally time for Wilson to get his opportunity within the Steelers offense.
Browns WR Jerry Jeudy Slammed by Analyst After Disappointing Week 4
A Cleveland Browns analyst has taken aim at star receiver Jerry Jeudy after a disappointing Week 4.
Jeudy is supposed to be the Browns‘ No. 1 receiver, but he has struggled this season. The receiver struggled with drops against the Detroit Lions, and Anthony Lima believes that is why the Denver Broncos moved on from him.
“He can’t catch the football. It’s why Denver moved on from him,” Lima said on 92.3 The Fan. “Why do you think Denver moved on from him? Everybody wanted to claim victory when he had that huge game against Denver. He’s not a winning football player. He just isn’t, he’s not a winning football player. It’s what everybody in Denver who had eyes wanted to tell us when we traded for him. He’s not a winning football player. I don’t know how much more evidence you guys need.”
Lima clearly doesn’t think Jeudy is a top receiver in the NFL, and the Browns can’t rely on him, which is also why Cleveland’s offense has struggled.
Jeudy has recorded 13 receptions on 30 targets for 182 yards and 0 touchdowns.
Browns Coach Still Confident in Jeudy
Despite Jeudy struggling to begin the season, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has full confidence in the receiver.
Stefanski believes Jeudy has all the tools to be an impact receiver in the league, as he has been in the past. With that, the coach isn’t too concerned about his star receiver.
“Well, Jerry (Jeudy) is a very prideful guy,” Stefanski said. “He’s one of our leaders. He wants to come through for the football team. He’s disappointed, but he’s our guy. He’s our best wide receiver. He’ll continue to make plays for this football team. I have zero doubt about that. And again, he’s a guy that cares a lot. So, in those moments, you want to come down with the ball. I know he does. And it’s just a matter of getting another opportunity.”
Cleveland also needs Jeudy to step up with some new injuries to the receiver core.
Cleveland Has 2 Key Injuries at Receiver
Part of the reason why the Browns need Jeudy to be much better is because of the injuries to Cedric Tillman and DeAndre Carter.
Both receivers suffered the injuries in Week 4, and Stefanski expects them both to miss multiple weeks.
“Injury front, DeAndre Carter has a knee injury. Cedric Tillman has a hamstring injury,” Stefanski said. “Those injuries will keep them out in the weeks department. We’ll treat them, see how they recover, but we’ll be without them for a little bit.”
With the two receivers out for multiple weeks, Stefanski says it’s next man up for the offense to step up.
“Well, I think it starts, with everybody just doing their job. I think you’ve seen that at times from this offense where guys are doing their job and we’re able to move it. Obviously, with set out, like you mentioned, we’re going to need some guys to step up in that role and provide some value, both in the pass game and the run game. But those are things that we’ll work through. I really believe in the group we have in that room, and we just have some guys that have to step up.”
