The Pittsburgh Steelers are not on top of the world — but they are, at least for now, on top of the AFC North.
Sunday’s 23-9 victory over the Cleveland Browns was another solid step forward for Mike Tomlin’s team, pushing their record to an impressive 4-1. It’s a promising sign for a franchise with Super Bowl aspirations, but even amidst the success, there are still questions that need answers — and fast.
At the top of that list is the Steelers’ ongoing internal search for a true secondary wide receiver.
Let’s be honest — All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been everything Pittsburgh could have hoped for and more. The 41-year-old signal caller has delivered consistency, efficiency, and poise in his first year donning black and gold.
Through five games, Rodgers sits tied for eighth in the league in touchdown passes (10), has thrown for 1,021 yards (23rd), and most importantly, has limited turnovers with just three interceptions.
It’s the perfect brand of controlled, veteran football that complements Mike Tomlin’s defensive-first identity.
Still, something feels… incomplete.
Despite Rodgers’ steadiness, the offense hasn’t yet hit its stride. The passing game, while functional, lacks that second weapon to take pressure off star wideout DK Metcalf. With former Steelers receiver George Pickens shining in Dallas and Calvin Austin III sidelined, Pittsburgh’s receiver room has become more of a patchwork project than a reliable unit.
The Week 6 stat sheet paints the picture clearly.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense cannot sustain success without a definitive WR2
Scotty Miller led the secondary receiver group with just 26 snaps, followed by Roman Wilson with 15, Ben Skowronek with 10, and Ke’Shawn Williams with one. That kind of distribution might work for a week or two, but it’s not sustainable over the course of an NFL season — not for a team with championship goals.
The rotation, while noble in effort, has produced minimal returns. Miller is a solid veteran with speed, Wilson has flashed potential, and Skowronek is a dependable role player, but none have emerged as the consistent, dynamic option Rodgers needs opposite DK Metcalf.
The lack of depth at wide receiver has forced offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to get creative. Tight end Darnell Washington has been used more frequently in passing situations, while fullback Connor Heyward continues to chip in with timely catches.
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Those adjustments have worked to an extent, but at some point, Pittsburgh will need a true wideout who can stretch defenses and keep opposing secondaries honest.
Because right now, Rodgers is doing a lot with very little.
As the season progresses, the Steelers will have to decide whether to keep searching internally for that missing piece or look outward — perhaps via trade or free agency — for a proven receiver who can make an impact immediately. With Rodgers playing efficient football and the defense holding opponents in check, Pittsburgh’s margin for improvement is small but significant.
This team is built to win now. And to keep winning, they need another threat in the passing game — someone who can turn routine plays into game-changing moments.
The Steelers’ internal search for that answer is ongoing, but if the first few weeks are any indication, it’s not going as smoothly as they hoped. Time will tell whether Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin decide to roll with what they have — or make a move to ensure Rodgers isn’t carrying the offense alone.