Mike Williams Not Starting in Steelers Debut
LANDOVER, Md. — Newly acquired Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams was not in the starting lineup on the Steelers opening possession against the Washington Commanders. Van Jefferson, who has served as the Steelers No. 2 wideout in the first eight games, started against the Commanders instead.
The Steelers sent a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Jets in exchange for Williams on Tuesday, so it’s not a surprise that Williams did not start right away. Williams will eventually be the No. 2 wideout, but it appears the Steelers are just trying to get him acclimated into the offense.
Williams is a merchant when it comes to 50/50 balls. That was one of two reasons why the Steelers traded for him prior to Tuesday’s trade deadline.
“Mike’s a big receiver. He’s made a lot of 50/50 catches,” Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said on Thursday. “Big presence in the run game. We’ll see where it goes. Hopefully he’s value added.”
Williams is a player that Smith has been watching from afar for a while, dating back to the pre-draft process in 2017.
“Mike’s been a very productive player in the NFL. I remember watching him come out in the draft,” he said. “We’re excited. We’ll bring him along the right way. He has a skill set that fits us.”
Smith also said Williams will have a big impact in the running game. Receivers who can block are a crucial component in Smith’s offense.
“I had a pretty good day today, I’ve been in quite a bit,” Williams said of his first practice with the Steelers on Wednesday. “I was moving around everywhere. I’m trying to learn as much as possible. You never know what can happen, people move, things change. So, I’m just learning all the positions. I got some reps with Russ also. So, keep building the rest of the week and see where we are on Sunday.”.
Alan Saunders provided reporting for this story.
