4 Steelers that must be benched as soon as possible in 2021
By Andrew Falce
Steelers should bench returner Ray-Ray McCloud
It’s been a tough couple of weeks for Ray-Ray McCloud, as a pair of punt fumbles have drawn some questions about if he should be handling the return duties for this team. Add in his mediocre play on the offense and suddenly McCloud’s roster spot is far from secure. While he has proven to be an above-average return man, the fumbles in recent weeks make it hard to see him keeping a secure grip on that job.
The issue now will be if the Steelers call anyone up from the practice squad. They have a return man in Steven Sims sitting there ready to play and a slot-capable receiver in Anthony Miller that can fill in for McCloud. As well, Chase Claypool could kick inside more often than he already is. This could put McCloud’s playing time at close to zero, as his role could easily be displaced by someone else on the roster.
To be clear, the only reason McCloud has a job is because of his return ability. The team uses him on offense to justify having him dress as their returner each week. If Sims took on the returner role and then either Claypool or Miller play in the slot (even Sims could contribute there), there would be no need for McCloud on this roster. The team is full of options, and right now McCloud doesn’t seem like the best one.