Steelers' Ben Skowronek Return Could Open Intriguing Door For Familiar Receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers are finally getting some reinforcements at wide receiver following a frustrating stretch of injuries. While the offense won't be anywhere near full strength against Cincinnati on Sunday night, the return of one particularly valuable player could have implications beyond his individual contributions. According to a Steelers insider, Pittsburgh might finally have an opportunity to give another receiver a chance to contribute.

Ben Skowronek is set to return against the Cincinnati Bengals after missing three consecutive games with a calf injury. The veteran receiver was a full participant in practice this week, providing Pittsburgh with some much-needed assistance on both offense and special teams.

During a Friday appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo discussed the potential implications of Skowronek's return.

“You're going to get Skowronek back. That's going to be huge for your special teams. And, you know, Skowronek usually gets a handful of snaps on offense as well. He's a great blocker,” Fittipaldo said.

Pittsburgh has relied heavily on practice squad receivers with Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson still recovering from injuries. Skowronek's return doesn't necessarily solve Pittsburgh's receiving problems, but it does give Head Coach Mike McCarthy more flexibility when determining which receivers will dress on game day.

One player whose immediate future becomes particularly interesting is Brandon Johnson. Pittsburgh elevated Johnson from the practice squad for three consecutive games before the bye. He's played just 21 offensive snaps this season, recording his only reception for nine yards against Cleveland.

Johnson has also exhausted his three standard practice squad elevations. Pittsburgh would need to sign him to its active roster to continue utilizing him, making the decision to look elsewhere particularly sensible.

Fittipaldo identified two potential alternatives.

“They brought up Brandon Johnson for the last two, three weeks. He just played a handful of snaps, so maybe that would be an opportunity to get a [Marquez Valdes-Scantling] or maybe a Max Hurleman in. I don't know,” Fittipaldo said.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been on Pittsburgh's practice squad since October 20 but hasn't appeared in a game for the Steelers this season. His extensive history with Aaron Rodgers, dating back to their time together with the Green Bay Packers, makes him an interesting candidate.

Rodgers has already expressed his desire to see Valdes-Scantling receive an opportunity. The veteran caught 10 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown across five appearances with Pittsburgh last season.

Another intriguing possibility is Max Hurleman, who has received considerable praise from McCarthy despite spending much of the season on practice squad Injured Reserve (IR). Hurleman impressed Pittsburgh's coaching staff during the offseason, and McCarthy recently indicated that he believed the former undrafted free agent deserved a roster spot before suffering his injury.

Hurleman would need to be cleared from practice squad IR before Pittsburgh could elevate him, making Valdes-Scantling the more immediately accessible option.

However, neither player should necessarily expect to take opportunities away from Brandon Smith. Pittsburgh signed Smith to its active roster on October 31 after exhausting his standard practice squad elevations.

Smith played 21 offensive snaps against the Cleveland Browns without receiving a target, but his contributions extend beyond the passing game. Fittipaldo believes the coaching staff has grown particularly comfortable with his blocking ability.

“I wouldn't expect them to change too much. They kind of like Brandon Smith in that role as a blocker, and he's actually done pretty well in that role,” Fittipaldo said.

With Pittsburgh rushing for 200 yards against Cleveland, there's understandable hesitation to remove players contributing to the success of that particular aspect of the offense.

Steelers Could Finally Give Valdes-Scantling An Opportunity Against Cincinnati

Skowronek's return shouldn't be viewed as an automatic solution to Pittsburgh's struggles through the air. The veteran has played only 39 offensive snaps this season, and his greatest value remains on special teams.

However, getting him back while maintaining Smith's role could allow Pittsburgh to dedicate a game-day roster spot to someone with a more established receiving background. Valdes-Scantling has averaged 16.8 yards per reception throughout his NFL career, giving Rodgers another potential option downfield.

The Steelers don't need Valdes-Scantling to transform their passing attack overnight. Even a couple of opportunities to stretch Cincinnati's defense could make life easier for Rodgers and create additional space for Pittsburgh's rushing attack.

Pittsburgh has spent weeks juggling its receiver depth because of injuries. Skowronek's return might finally give McCarthy an opportunity to make a personnel decision based on what someone can contribute offensively, rather than simply who is healthy enough to play.

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