The Pittsburgh Steelers may have found their newest punt returner.
Before yesterday, Trey Williams was a little-known journeyman back who was just available for the practice squad. He was not considered of one the Steelers offseason additions and was more thought of as a camp body. After all, the running back position does yield a lot of injuries; so, it is good to have numbers at that position.
Williams did not get a chance in the first game to standout. However, in the second game against the Falcons, Williams returned punts for the Steelers after Eli Rogers. His return for a touchdown made him a contender for the roster. The Steelers have been trying to replace Antonio Brown on punt returns and may have found their guy.
His return for a touchdown was the peak of his performance, but it was not the only thing he did well. He also returned another punt and put the Steelers in good field position. After he had made some waves, he played his position smart and let a punt fall into the end zone. He also was conservative in holding one for a fair catch.
Now he may not be in line to be the Steelers running back, but his potential as a special teamer may give him a shot at the roster. He did return kickoffs in college, a part of the game the Steelers have struggled within recent history.
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If I were the Steelers, I would give him more opportunities in the next two games. Including letting him return punts for a half, I think they should look and see what they have in him as a kick returner. I acknowledge that punt returning and kick returning are different skills; however, his past experience could take care of another need. I think they should also give him a shot as a running back. If he can be serviceable, then they could carry four legitimate backs with three that can help on special teams.