3 Steelers practice squad players who could be on the active roster soon

WR Steven Sims

The fact that Ray-Ray McCloud was playing up until the closing seconds of a blowout preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers reinforces the idea that his job on the roster isn’t going to be secure throughout the year. The Steelers likely have McCloud on notice, and if he struggles early in the season, Pittsburgh won’t be afraid to make a switch with their fifth wide receiver.

McCloud was one of the better punt returners in the NFL last season and he offered value as a gadget player on jet sweeps. However, he’s never been much of a receiver. Last year for the Steelers, he averaged just 3.9 yards per reception (many of these were shovel passes).

Steven Sims, on the other hand, is perhaps equally as twitchy, but is a much more natural receiver and impressed at times from the slot in 2020. Think of him in the ‘Eli Rodgers’ mold of receiver. In addition to averaging over a yard more per reception than JuJu Smith-Schuster last season.

Sims also offers value as a return man. He handled punt duties for Washington last season, and as a rookie in 2019, he was one of the better kick returners in the league. If McCloud doesn’t impress early, Sims could be vying for his job as the fifth receiver.