Ben Roethlisberger says we should see more Markus Wheaton this week

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Markus Wheaton had an incredibly promising preseason, and Wheaton was the best vertical threat in this year’s draft. There should be a defined role for him on the Steelers offense, and Ben Roethlisberger could really benefit from having a guy with Wheaton’s wheels out there. His presence on the field would also ease some pressure off of Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders, which would be another key positive.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) walks off the field after being defeated by the Cincinnati Bengals 20-10 Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Wheaton hasn’t seen much of the field, though, this season, and it’s anyone’s guess as to why the Steelers have only played him for 12 snaps this season. Their offense has been sputtering, and it’s possible that giving a playmaker like Markus Wheaton more snaps would have a big effect on the overall production on the offense. A three-wide set of Brown on the left, Wheaton the right, and Sanders in the slot could prove to be a pretty nasty trio.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said after Monday night’s loss that he would promise to give Wheaton more playing time. Now, Pittsburgh Steelers signal-caller Ben Roethlisberger has stated that we should see more snaps from Markus Wheaton in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.

Per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “To me, he’s more than ready to get in and start doing some stuff for us. I thought he would be in a little more (previously), but I think you’ll start to see him getting in more this week.”

Quick question, does anyone actually want to see Jerricho Cotchery playing in three-wide sets over Markus Wheaton? Anyone?

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