Something strange is going on within the Pittsburgh Steelers building, and it might point to a relatively unknown player getting a massive promotion. Many might not remember Max Hurleman, but the second-year versatile player has failed to make the 53-man roster twice now.
He is currently injured and sitting on the practice squad, but he might be healthy soon and could be the team's internal solution at wide receiver following their failures during the trade deadline.
It is wild to imagine Hurleman actually turning into a breakout success. He certainly has some interesting skills that could make him an effective receiver down the line, but the odds of that happening soon are low. Both Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy seem intrigued by the player, however. Hurleman has gained high praise from both of them, and it could lead to an elevated role.
"How do you not love Max?" McCarthy went on to say, "The guy has incredible workload capacity."
Being in great shape is one thing, but being an effective football player is another. Hurleman has yet to play an NFL snap during a regular season game. It's hard to fathom the Steelers giving the youngster a shot at going from an injured practice squad player to a big role on offense. However, their inaction at the trade deadline seems to be pointing to the team reviewing all internal options going forward.
Pittsburgh Steelers blind faith in Max Hurleman after failed trade deadline is maddening
Failing to upgrade the receiver room before the trade deadline could break this offense apart again. It happened last season, and now the Steelers have no choice but to try an alternative solution.
Unless Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. come back at full strength following their long-term injuries, this offense will continue to struggle with the guys they have.
When it comes to Hurleman, expectations should be fairly low. He is a former undrafted player who has yet to crack an NFL roster. During his preseason appearances, the receiver has done some nice things, including reps on special teams. Unless Pittsburgh truly thinks he can become a better returner than Kaden Wetjen, making Hurleman a promoted player just doesn't make sense.
We will see where this goes, but maybe these mentions by McCarthy and Rodgers are being blown out of proportion. Seeing someone like Hurleman go from an injured player on the practice squad to someone taking snaps away from Wilson, Pittman, Germie Bernard, and others just doesn't add up. This organization's failure at the trade deadline appears to be making them uneasy.
All of this would vanish if DK Metcalf started to play better, and some of the other receivers on the team stepped up. Hurleman might get a legit shot at an expanded role, but don't anticipate that working out. The Steelers' lack of trades to locate an upgrade will force them into another uncomfortable spot. Maybe a Hail Mary addition from the outside is their only option.
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