Steelers backup WR’s could be thrust into action

The Steelers have been asking a lot from their backups in recent weeks. Players like Chris Hubbard and Jordan Dangerfield, neither of which were locks to make the 53-man roster, have played significant time in recent games.

Both surprised many with their level of play.

While the Steelers have many players likely to return to action this week, there’s new injuries they are dealing with. Markus Whaton and Sammie Coates have yet to practice this week, making them questionable for the Dolphins game on Sunday. Because of this, the Steelers have asked some of their practice squad receivers to step up in their absence.

Cobi Hamilton and DeMarcus Ayers are practice squad players that are both relatively new to the team.

Ayers was a 7th round pick in the 2016 draft. He was drafted primarily for his special teams skills, but also has potential as a receiver. In his senior year at Houston, Ayers caught 97 balls for 1221 yards and 6 touchdowns. Ayers main disadvantage is his size: a mere 5’9″ 182 lbs. However, we’ve seen undersized receivers flourish in this offense: Antonio Brown, and 2nd year receiver Eli Rogers, for example.

I wouldn’t bet against Ayers just because of his small stature.

Hamilton, on the other hand, was brought in as a free agent this offseason, following stints with teams including the Bengals, Eagles, Dolphins, and Panthers. He didn’t receive much buzz initially, but he caught the attention of many with his performance versus the Eagles, where he caught 4 receptions for 44 yards.

While many were hyping up players like Shakim Phillips heading into camp, Hamilton came out and impressed.

Hamilton also has the size advantage over Ayers, standing at 6’2″, 205 lbs.

The Steelers believe in the phrase “The Standard is The Standard.” Surely you’ve all heard it repeated hundreds of times so far this season.

It wouldn’t be so frequently mentioned though if it wasn’t accurate.

We’ve seen players like B.J. Finney and Chris Hubbard thrive; many, including myself, doubted the ability of these players to step in and maintain “The Standard”.

Both Hamilton and Ayers both have the potential to come out and surprise if given an opportunity. It also helps that they would have a future Hall of Fame quarterback throwing to them in Ben Roethlisberger.

This 2016 team has proven to be deep. Regardless of who’s number is called upon to be active on game day, Steeler Nation should have confidence in the men that the team puts on the field.


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