The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has had to deal with injuries at every turn this season. General Manager Kevin Colbert has made over 25 transactions shuffling countless players since Ben Roethlisberger went down. Most recently the injuries to James Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster were thought to potentially hinder an already struggling offense. However, crucial players added late in the season stepped up to add three more wins. Now in Week 15, where will those players land with two starters returning to the lineup?
Steelers Offense Week 15 Outlook: Return of James Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster
Kerrith Whyte Jr.
Once James Conner went down with a shoulder injury the Steelers had to move to a committee in the backfield. Jaylen Samuels brought great hands and shiftiness. While Benny Snell brought the power to get the tough yards. They were lacking a speed threat to stretch the field and beat linebackers to the edge. Tony Brooks-James was given a shot to be the speed and return threat the Steelers needed. However, Brooks-James couldn’t seem to make plays when it counted.
Kerrith Whyte Jr. was a sixth round pick and played his college career behind Buffalo Bills running back Devin Singletary at Florida Atlantic University. Whyte was not invited to the NFL Combine but ran a 4.36 on his pro day which would have been at the top of combine numbers for running backs.
Since joining the Steelers, Whyte has 14 carries for 94 yards in three games. This averages out to just over six yards per carry. Those 94 yards have been critical to this offense getting down the field and controlling time of possession. Anticipating Conner’s return this week, Trey Edmunds is likely to be moved to special teams or the practice squad. There is room in the game plan for 4 running backs. Whyte has one target which was caught for nine yards, look for more of that this week. Stretch runs, jet sweeps, and motioning on short passes to Whyte are effective ways to get him some space and break a few tackles for chunk plays.
Deon Cain
Deon Cain had an explosive college career that led to him being drafted in the sixth round by the Indianapolis Colts after his senior year. Cain is coming off of a torn ACL which happened in his first 2018 preseason game. This injury came right after delivering a promising training camp as a rookie. Following a successful rehab Cain debuted for Colts in 2019 but was waived on November 9th.
The Steelers signed Deon Cain off the following the first loss to the Cleveland Browns on November 14, 2019. Cain was signed to provide speed on the outside to get opposing defenses to cut down on stacking the box. This deep threat allows the run game and short passing attack to open up for quarterback Devlin Hodges, or as we know him, Duck. Cain did exactly what the Steelers needed him to do. Stepping up with his career long reception at 35 yards and another 22 yard reception. His skill set has also forced several pass interference penalties downfield the last few weeks. Those penalties were crucial to the Steelers maintaining control of the clock. Moving JuJu Smith-Schuster into the slot and putting a burner outside could open up the field for the eager young star while giving Cain more opportunity.
Tevin Jones
Tevin Jones has been a solid practice squad addition for the Steelers this season. Jones has stepped in and offered a solid route running presence. Even if not all of the routes led to completed pass he forces defensive backs to pay attention. He is also an above average blocker as the receiver position. Facing Cleveland in Week 13 Jones stood out in both the running game and with a 28 yard catch to convert on a long third down. Not to mention the hit Jones took and held on to the ball proved he was built to come in and contribute.
Jones is likely to be seeing the short end of the stick this week with the return of JuJu Smith-Schuster. Jones will likely be moved down to the practice squad unless the Steelers find some special teams usage for him. However, this team has proved it will be constantly shuffling players to find success. Jones has a solid chance to see another opportunity before the season ends.
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