Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling made their debuts in a win over the Baltimore Ravens. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac expects Thielen to see increased involvement, while Valdes-Scantling's role remains limited. Both players had minimal impact in their first games as Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a win over the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday, marking the debut for newly acquired wide receivers Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Roman Wilson was a healthy scratch, allowing the veterans their first playing time with the team. The passing attack performed at its best in over a month during the victory.
Thielen started the game and played 25 snaps, nearly half of the offense's total snaps. He received one target and caught it, marking his first reception as a Steeler. According to the depth chart, Thielen is listed behind Wilson, suggesting Wilson may reclaim some snaps next week. However, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac predicts more involvement for Thielen going forward.
"I don’t think MVS convinced anyone who matters that he needs to play. Conversely, I think you will see Thielen be more involved," Dulac wrote in his Pittsburgh Post-Gazette weekly chat. He highlighted a play where a pass intended for Thielen was batted back to the quarterback; Thielen was wide open downfield for a potential touchdown.
Valdes-Scantling, signed by the Steelers in early November, spent over a month on the practice squad before being elevated for the Ravens game. He played 16 snaps and saw one target late in the fourth quarter, with the Steelers leading by five points. On third down, Pittsburgh targeted him to run the clock and force the Ravens' last timeout, but the pass was incomplete after he ran a rub route that the defense anticipated.
The Steelers' receiving corps has been inconsistent this season, but the shake-up against Baltimore showed promise. Thielen and Valdes-Scantling's roles will be key to watch over the final four weeks.