Pittsburg, PA
Steelers WR2 Starting to Emerge
PITTSBURGH — Despite numerous reports and endless speculation, the Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t brought in another wide receiver to pair with George Pickens. The team’s reported interest in Brandon Aiyuk remains, but it seems likelier that he remains with the San Francisco 49ers for the next season.
It may end up that the Steelers already have their number two receiver on the roster, negating the need to bring in any more outside options. Team insider Mark Kaboly recently joined the 93.7 The Fan to discuss who stuck out during organized team activities and traning camp. When the topic of receivers came up, Kaboly named third-year receiver Calvin Austin III as his top choice.
“Calvin Austin,” Kaboly said. “But he should because he’s been in the league three years. He’s fast and you’re not allowed to touch him in OTAs. So I hope he excels at that point right there.”
Austin is in line to see. a huge upgrade in role and targets in 2024. The 25-year-old was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but he missed the entirety of his rookie season due to injury. In his debut season in 2023, he was utilized mostly as a punt returner and extra receiver. He
Despite the limited usage, he made some impressive plays. He caught 17 of 30 targets for 180 yards and one receiving touchdown. It was a flash of what he can provide though, as he used his speed to run 72 yards into the end zone for the team’s longest receiving score of the season.
The Steelers also found a way to get Austin touches in the run game. His blazing speed was apparent, and he managed 57 yards and a rushing touchdown on 11 carries.
Going into the preseason, Arthur Smith could be drawing up more plays for Austin. As Kaboly pointed out, the team needs to see him in pads to make a better decision, but the Steelers are already showing an increased belief in their young receiver. If he continues impressing, the number two role will be his to open the 2024 season.
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Steelers Have Weekly Plans for Justin Fields
The Pittsburgh Steelers have put their plan to increase quarterback Justin Fields’ involvement in motion, though it’s not yet a completely ironed-out component of the offense.
Per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo, Fields stated that the Steelers have a package in place for him every week, though it isn’t always clear how or when he’ll be utilized.
“I have a set package each and every week,” Fields said. “I think the play-calling is random to be honest with you. It’s kind of a feel thing with Arthur [Smith]. How I’m going to be used is a question for him honestly.”
After logging three snaps and rushing for 17 yards in Pittsburgh’s Week 11 win over the Baltimore Ravens, Fields saw his reps more than doubled to seven in a Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
The highlight of the 25-year-old’s day was a 30-yard run in the fourth quarter that advanced the Steelers into Cleveland territory, with the drive resulting in a Jaylen Warren touchdown. Fields’ two other attempts on the ground went for a combined -4 yards.
Pittsburgh also put their trust in him through the air on a 3rd-and-4 play while up 19-18 with 3:34 left in the contest. On his first throw since Week 6, Fields targeted George Pickens down the field but couldn’t complete the connection, which brought on the punt unit.
The Browns scored on their ensuing possession before thwarting the Steelers’ final scoring attempt of the night to clinch the victory.
Russell Wilson, who went 21-for-28 with 270 yards and a touchdown, also shared his uncertainty as to how and when Fields would be inserted into games moving forward.
“I don’t know when it’s going to happen,” Wilson said. “Whenever it does, all I want us to do is win. When Justin gets in there I’m rooting for Justin to do great and make a big play. When I go back in, it’s vice versa. We’re always rooting for each other.”
The Steelers haven’t been quiet about their intentions to continue featuring Fields. While things didn’t shake their way against the Browns as they perfect those arrangements, it’s fair to assume they’ll continue to ramp up his participation as the season continues on.
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KDKA-TV Morning Forecast (11/25)
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Wisconsin storms back against Pittsburgh to win Greenbrier Tip-Off
The Wisconsin Badgers are the 2024 Greenbrier Tip-Off champions.
Wisconsin, ranked No. 19 in the nation, improved to 7-0 by coming back from a double-digit deficit to defeat Pittsburgh (6-1) 81-75 Sunday evening in West Virginia. The comeback completed a sweep of the showcase, having defeated Central Florida in their first game of the tip-off on Friday afternoon.
John Tonje led the Badgers with 33 points. The star guard was 11-of-19 shooting and a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line. It’s his second 30-point game of the season; his first was a 41-point explosion in Wisconsin’s win over then-No. 9 Arizona on Nov. 15.
Pittsburgh jumped out to a 20-8 lead nearly 10 minutes into the first half before the Badgers clawed back to within 34-27 at the half.
In the second half, Pittsburgh kept the Badgers at bay, leading 50-45 with 12:22 to go before Wisconsin went on a run and grew a lead to 71-64 with 4:15 remaining.
The Badgers have scored at least 79 points in all seven games this season, which is a program first.
Up next: Wisconsin vs. Chicago State, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. CT.
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