Steelers WR Gunner Olszewski Botches Two Key Plays vs. Browns

PITTSBURGH — It is not a banner day to be Gunner Olszewski. After being inactive last week, Olszewski got the nod to play several snaps on Monday night against the Browns, including becoming the kick returner. At the same time, Anthony McFarland hit the shelf with a knee injury. However, Olszewski did not meet those expectations on Monday, with two plays that cost the Steelers dealing.

The first play, Olszewski took a kickoff, tiptoed along the sideline, and stayed in bounds. However, had the ball gone out of bounds or Olszewski caught it there, the Steelers would have got it at the 40-yard line. But because he received it in bounds, the Steelers lost over 20 yards of field position.

It’s hard to explain to someone that doesn’t really watch football how outrageously stupid this play from Gunner Olszewsky really is pic.twitter.com/afBhYxoHxG

— Justin Macmahan (@JustinMacmahan) September 19, 2023

The second play came after the Steelers forced a fumble on Deshaun Watson. On the very next play, Gunner Olszewski caught the ball and got hit high. He fumbled the ball and exited the game. Olszewski is being evaluated for a head injury and is doubtful to return to the game. With Olszewski now out of the game, the Steelers only have four wide receivers left, with Dez Fitzpatrick as an inactive on Monday. Instead, Miles Boykin will remain the last receiver on the depth chart, while George Pickens, Allen Robinson II, and Calvin Austin will man the top three.

The Steelers have all three tight ends active, and could look to make an impact that way. They have played with 12 and 13 personnel already, with Austin seeing less playing time than someone like Darnell Washington. It seems likely they will do that for the rest of the game. With McFarland and Olszewski out, the team is now down to their third-string kick returner. Pittsburgh and Cleveland have traded back and forth blows in an ugly way on Monday night, bringing the game to an odd 11-7 score.