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Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Players fighting for roster spot vs. Panthers

By Samuel Teets

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on in the third quarter during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on in the third quarter during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 25: Ryan Switzer #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball after making a reception against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 25: Ryan Switzer #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball after making a reception against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Eli Rogers or Ryan Switzer, WR

Eli Rogers and Ryan Switzer have been duking it out for the slot receiver job in Pittsburgh. It’s not inconceivable that both players make the final roster, but the Steelers already have a lot of receivers. It’s more likely that one of these players will be out of work shortly.

Rogers has a longer history with the Steelers. After going undrafted in 2015, Pittsburgh picked up Rogers. He didn’t see the field until 2016 when he posted 48 receptions for 594 yards and three touchdowns. His production dropped off dramatically in 2017 though, and he only caught 18 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown.

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Injuries limited Rogers to just three games in 2018 and he recorded 12 receptions for 79 yards. Rogers has potential and should be on an NFL roster, but he’s not a featured player and can be replaced. To his credit, Rogers can also play a role as a punt returner. He returned 26 punts in his first two seasons for the Steelers.

On the other hand, we have Switzer. The Dallas Cowboys took him in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Switzer spent one year in Dallas where he served primarily as a return man. Last season, he joined the Steelers and earned favor with many fans and teammates. He caught 36 passes for 253 yards and a touchdown.

However, Switzer’s biggest contributions come in the return game. He returned 30 kicks and 30 punts for the Steelers last season, racking up 859 yards between the two duties.

Again, the Steelers may keep both Rogers and Switzer, but that’s not a move with much precedence in the league right now. Besides, Pittsburgh already has Diontae Johnson, Donte Moncrief, JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Washington. It’s a crowded receiver room.

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