Steelers to Debut New Returners Against Bills

UNITY TWP., Pa. — The Steelers will get a look at two new returners on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills. After letting Jordan Byrd take all of the work last Friday against the Buccaneers, now the Steelers will turn to a combination of Anthony McFarland and Calvin Austin III to see if those guys can pop in the game. They are the two fastest players the Steelers have on the offensive side of the ball. McFarland will see action as a kick returner while Austin will man the punt returns.

“Really excited about seeing the specialists work,” Tomlin said. “Last week, we played the younger, new specialists. This week, we’re playing the guys who have Steelers experience. Looking forward to watch those guys execute. Specifically, in the return game, really interested in Anthony McFarland as a kick returner and Calvin Austin as a punt returner. We focused their efforts week on their offensive contributions, particularly in the first half of the game. We’re really going to be interested in the special teams contributions of those two, in particular, this week, along with their offensive responsibility. Looking for those guys to show their capabilities in that space, if given the opportunity.”

For what it’s worth, that also means that Pressley Harvin, Chris Boswell, and Christian Kuntz will play after the backups got the opportunity against the Buccaneers. Austin, in particular, has been looking forward to showing off his skills in the return game after not getting that opportunity in the first game.

“I’m really getting comfortable back there,” Austin said. “You know, I expect to get some reps and I’m excited to show what I can do. I’ve been training back there, so I’m looking forward to that.”

The Steelers have been looking for a spark on special teams. They have yet to have a static return man for a while. It was once Ray-Ray McCloud, then last year it turned into a combination of Steven Sims and Gunner Olszewski. But this year, that combination could be McFarland and Austin, it appears.