Certain injuries as well as other factors paved the way for players on the Pittsburgh Steelers to see the first legitimate action of their career in 2022. Going forward, the franchise will have to make key decisions regarding the future of guys who were essentially fill-in players for the majority of the season.
One wide receiver in particular was jolted into a pivotal offensive and special teams role just a few weeks into the season. Gunner Olszewski was having trouble returning punts and not making a big enough impact on offense leading to Steven Sims getting more playing time and time as the slot pass catcher.
Sims made a name for himself throughout the preseason and due to an injury and IR designation to rookie, Calvin Austin III, he made the 53-man roster and played in almost every game throughout the regular season. He recently told Chris Adamski of Trib-Live that he would love to be in Pittsburgh for the rest of his career and was extremely complimentary of special teams coach, Danny Smith.
"From camp on, I definitely felt like I left a good impression with Danny and the offensive staff,” Sims said. “I would be happy to be here for the rest of my career, definitely. I love it here, I love the coaches, I love Danny so much, but we’re gonna see. I can’t wait."
With Austin set to return and expected to be the team's punt returner, it immediately places Sims in a category that could see him on the chopping block when final cuts come around in August. Anthony Miller is also likely to be healthy and the former second-rounder could be another solid option in the slot on offense.
Miller, however has only played in three games since the beginning of the 2021 season and the organization doesn't know what it has in Austin due to his lack of availability for almost all of 2022. Sims demonstrated his potential in the receiving game. Most notably, hauling in a huge 28-yard catch late in a Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.
He also added an electric 89-yard kick return in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He certainly did enough to raise some eyebrows, but the coaching staff and front office will need to decide if, barring any injuries in the preseason, he did enough to warrant another season on the 53-man roster.
It will be easier to tell what the Steelers believe is in store for Sims' future based on free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft. If another receiver comes into the mix, it's hard to believe that Sims has much of a chance to get legitimate reps next season. Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Austin, Miller and a new face or two could throw Sims right back into the position he started at in 2022.
It's hard to imagine that the team will move on from Sims given the value he provided in his first season with the team, but a healthy Austin is almost certain to make things difficult for him going forward. He has likely jumped Olszewski (who will probably be released), but his underdog mentality will need to continue heading into 2022.
Do you want to see the Steelers continue to utilize Sims in 2023?
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