Markus Wheaton could come back for Pittsburgh Steelers this week

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton (11) drops a pass in front of Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs (55) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Markus Wheaton is one of the best deep threats in this draft class, but he hasn’t been able to showcase his ability due to a broken pinky. Wheaton sustained the injury in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, and he needed surgeyr on it after it didn’t seem like it was too serious initially. He has been ruled out for the past three contests, and he never even had a legitimate shot at playing in any of those games.

ESPN NFL Nation’s Scott Brown reports that this could change for Wheaton this week, as he “is being evaluated” and the Steelers aren’t ruling him out for this week’s huge game against the New England Patriots. It’s notable that he hasn’t been ruled out yet, because Wheaton was ruled out at around this time in each of the past few weeks.

Wheaton’s only receptions on the season came against the Vikings, when he was given more opportunities and was able to haul in three receptions. He could be a key No. 3 wide receiver for Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense, because his speed brings something more dynamic to the table. At the end of the day, I think he’ll usurp Jerricho Cotchery as the team’s No. 3 receiver once he’s back to full health.

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