Allen Robinson II
WR / Pittsburgh Steelers
Allen Robinson (foot) 'earmarked' for Steelers' slot receiver role
What it means:
The Pittsburgh Steelers have "earmarked" wide receiver Allen Robinson for their slot receiver role in the 2023 season according to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic.
Robinson has not yet been cleared to participate in OTAs after undergoing foot surgery in the offseason, but according to Kaboly it seems as though the Steelers already have designs on the veteran functioning as their slot receiver in 2023. 2022 was not a strong showing for Robinson, but a transition to the slot (a position filled by Cooper Kupp during Robinson's time with the Rams) could be just what he needs.
Robinson's production as a receiver over the past two seasons have left a lot to be desired. He produced more catches (102), yards (1,250), and touchdowns (6) in his 2020 season in Chicago than he has done in the 22 games he's played over the last two years combined. Hopefully a season playing in the slot alongside talented players like Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Pat Freiermuth will help him resuscitate his career.
Kenny Pickett
QB / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Kenny Pickett 'doing everything right off the field' heading into year two
What it means:
The Athletic's Mark Kaboly believes second-year Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is "doing everything right off the field."
Pickett has reportedly been an offseason all-star for the Steelers following his rookie campaign, attending close to every single offseason workout and virtually living at the team's facilities. Head coach Mike Tomlin repeatedly used the word "excited" when asked about Pickett's development heading into his second season, and expectations in Pittsburgh are that the former first-round pick will take a leap in 2023.
Pickett's overall rookie season numbers weren't too exciting; he finished with 2,404 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. But the Pitt alum showed signs of improvement down the stretch, throwing just a single interception over his final seven contests and leading two game-winning drives. The Steelers offense has solid pieces in place for Pickett to utilize in year two, but we will have to wait and see how his development showcases itself on the field.
Allen Robinson II
WR / Pittsburgh Steelers
Robinson (foot) has been limited at OTAs this week, Chris Adamski of TribLIVE.com reports.
What it means:
Robinson is still working his way back from surgery to repair a broken foot and expects to be 100 percent for the start of training camp later this summer. He's been participating in on-field work this week, but the veteran wideout is taking things slow. Notably, Robinson has been working as the slot receiver with the first-team offense. Diontae Johnson and George Pickens have remained on the outside.
Cody Chrest
WR / Pittsburgh Steelers
Chrest signed a contract with the Steelers on Thursday.
What it means:
Chrest joined the Colts as a UDFA out of Sam Houston State earlier this month, but he was ultimately waived a few short days later. He'll now work to make the most out of his new opportunity.
Anthony Miller
WR / Pittsburgh Steelers
Miller (shoulder) was spotted returning punts during Tuesday's practice, Noah Strackbein of SI.com reports.
What it means:
Miller, who missed the entire 2022 season with a shoulder injury suffered in training camp, appears to be healthy again. The 2018 second-round pick spent the first three years of his career with Chicago before being traded to Houston, finally landing in Pittsburgh after being cut by the Texans. Over the course of his career, the wideout has accumulated 1,589 receiving yards on 140 receptions with 12 touchdowns. The last productive season he had was in 2020 though, where he caught 49 balls for 489 yards and two touchdowns, only playing in three games since then. As the coming campaign approaches, Miller is slated to compete with Allen Robinson, Gunner Olszewski, Calvin Austin and Miles Boykin for a role in the offense behind top wideout options Diontae Johnson and George Pickens.
Markus Golden
LB / Pittsburgh Steelers
Golden and the Steelers agreed Wednesday to a one-year deal, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
What it means:
Golden was released by Arizona this offseason after struggling to make an impact in 2022, recording just 48 tackles and 2.5 sacks across 17 regular-season appearances. The 2015 second-round pick has three career double-digit sack campaigns, most recently in 2021, but he's totaled just 13.5 sacks in his other five seasons combined. In Pittsburgh, Golden figures to compete with rookie fourth-round pick Nick Herbig for snaps behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.