Eli Rogers has returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers in hopes of landing a new contract and rejoining his team before training camp.
After suffering a torn ACL in the playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, Rogers didn’t receive a contract offer from Pittsburgh in the spring. As he rehabbed his injury, Mike Tomlin made it known that he would like Rogers back, but it all depended on the wide receiver’s progression.
Watching social media videos and hearing Rogers speak on the matter, it was clear that his rehab was moving swiftly and that he could be ready by the start of the 2018 season.
With that, came hope that Rogers would be back in Pittsburgh by the end of August. That could come sooner than later with Rogers reportedly being at UPMCP Rooney Complex, on Wednesday.
Rogers would benefit the entire receiving core for another season. JuJu Smith-Schuster is the primary slot man, but Rogers has proven he can be a reliable pair of hands on the field whenever called upon. Ben Roethlisberger loves to see No. 17 on the field, and should be excited about a return to the team.
With James Washington entering his first season in the league, Rogers could see even more playing time than last season. He was primarily the fourth receiver on the inside in 2017, only racking up 18 receptions for 149 yards and touchdown.
This year, he could see an expanded role, and have more of the impact he did in 2016, when he had 594 yards and three touchdowns. Either way, he’s the best option the Steelers have coming off the bench.
Next: Why the Steelers win Super Bowl LIII
More news of this should come in the next few days. If Rogers is already at the complex, he could be working out a contract as we speak. That being the case, he could be back with the team by the end of the week.