From the Couch to the Spotlight: Steelers WR T.J. Luther Recaps Wild Week, Missed Connection with Justin Fields
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver T.J. Luther recaps his wild week and missed connection with quarterback Justin Fields.
PITTSBURGH — On Tuesday, wide receiver T.J. Luther came to Pittsburgh to officially sign his contract with the Steelers, after trying out with them the week before.
On Wednesday, he had his one and only practice with the club at St. Vincent College. On Thursday, he participated in a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills where he probably knew the names of just as many of his opponents as he did teammates.
Saturday, he found himself smack dab in the middle of the Steelers quarterback battle, with a missed connection between him and Justin Fields turning out to be the closest the Steelers got to the end zone in their Week 2 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Luther, 24, is a second-year pro out of the not-so-dominant FCS program of Gardner-Webb. The Runnin’ Bulldogs have had one player drafted this century, and just five all-time. After a 1,035-yard, seven-touchdown season as a redshirt senior in 2022, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets last spring.
He played in four preseason games with New York last year, but did not record any statistics. After being cut by the Jets, he caught on with the New England Patriots practice squad for two separate stints, and re-upped with the Pats for 2024 before being released on June 6.
An injury to Tarik Black left the Steelers with a roster vacancy, and they filled it with Luther, who spent two days working with the third team in practice. That pass that was headed his way from Fields’ fingers on Saturday night? That was the first one they’d attempted.
“That was my first target,” Luther said, somewhat sheepishly. “I just got here.”
The pass from Fields was slightly high and behind Luther, but traveled about 55 air yards, so he had time to adjust to the route. He just wasn’t able to track the ball through the air — somewhat understandable considering it was the first one from Fields he’s seen — but still frustrating.
“I definitely feel like I could’ve came down with that one,” Luther said.
“I definitely feel like I could’ve came down with that one." — #Steelers WR T.J. Luther on his missed connection with Justin Fields. pic.twitter.com/DxA4VouXRa
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) August 18, 2024
Aside from the missed connection, Luther is just happy to be in Pittsburgh after staring training camp without a team. He made a couple of tough catches in the joint practice with the Bills and seems to have a little pep in his step wearing black and gold.
“It’s a blessing, man,” he said. “It feels great. I’ve just got to find ways to get better each and every day. … It’s cool. I’m ready to get to work next week, for sure.”