The Pittsburgh Steelers made a surprising roster move ahead of their Wild Card Weekend matchup with the Baltimore Ravens by releasing wide receiver Scotty Miller. This decision comes despite praise from offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and quarterback Russell Wilson throughout the season.
Miller’s Limited Impact
Miller’s role in the Steelers’ offense was minimal, recording just five catches for 69 yards and two first downs across 13 games. His special teams contributions were also limited, with only 10 snaps compared to 210 offensive snaps. With the return of Mike Williams and Ben Skowronek, Miller found himself out of the regular rotation.
Possible Activation of Calvin Anderson
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor suggested that Miller’s release might clear the way for the activation of offensive tackle Calvin Anderson from injured reserve. Anderson has played sparingly, but his activation would provide depth and injury insurance for the Steelers’ offensive line during the playoffs.
Steelers’ Wide Receiver Rotation
Throughout the season, the Steelers utilized a tight rotation of wide receivers, often sticking to four or five players in the lineup. This approach continued in Week 18, with George Pickens leading the snap count, followed by Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III. The release of Miller likely indicates that the Steelers are confident in their current wide receiver group for the postseason.
Playoff Gameplan
As the Steelers enter the playoffs, the focus will likely be on maximizing the contributions of their top receivers, with Pickens expected to play a significant role. The depth provided by Jefferson, Austin, and the rest of the receiving corps will be crucial as they face the Ravens in a do-or-die scenario.
This move underscores the Steelers’ commitment to optimizing their roster for the postseason, balancing offensive firepower with strategic depth to prepare for the challenges ahead.
