Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin names the candidates for key role on special teams after the release of former Pro Bowler
The Steelers have a new camp battle on their hands.
The Pittsburgh Steelers fired Cordarrelle Patterson on his day off, but it was a long time coming.
Following his official release on Tuesday, Steelers HC Mike Tomlin was asked about what the team intends to do at kick returner.
It seems Coach Tomlin already has a list of candidates in mind…
Mike Tomlin names candidates for kick returner
“I do, but we’re not devoid of candidates,” said Coach Tomlin when asked if there is competition at kick returner. “Really, really excited about Kenny Gainwell in that area. Certainly, Jaylen Warren’s got some experience in that area. We’re looking at Kaleb Johnson. We’re looking at Roman Wilson. We’re not devoid of candidates. I’m pretty comfortable with the pool of candidates, but there’s still some work to sort out.”
Gainwell, who was signed earlier this offseason in free agency, probably has the upper hand as things stand right now. He finds himself as the running back No.3 on the depth chart and he has an extensive history as a returner going back to his time with the Eagles.
Jaylen Warren has worn that hat in the past, but now he finds himself atop the running back depth chart. The man behind him, Kaleb Johnson, has been seen in the kick return portion of special teams practice, but he may surpass Warren for the starting role by Thanksgiving and figures to be a key portion of the offense regardless.
That leaves Roman Wilson. Wilson’s 4.3 speed makes him the most intriguing option. After a rookie campaign that never saw him regain the momentum he had prior to his ankle injury in camp, Wilson will be looking to get on the field in any way possible.
“That’s to be determined,” said Mike Tomlin when asked about Roman Wilson’s role on special teams. “He’s certainly a willing worker. He’s caught kicks and punts in pre-practice and so forth. His contributions are not going to be exclusive to that area. He’s working with gunners on the punt team. He’s a very willing guy in that area, but how he performs will determine those things.”
It’s going to be a fun preseason, and the kick returner battle only adds to it.
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