New Name Emerges as Steelers Kick Returner

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers will have a new name that could throw his hat into the kick returner competition. With Anthony McFarland on injured reserve and Gunner Olszewski now out for the game with a concussion, the team will likely look to a new name to be the team’s kick returner — running back Godwin Igwebuike.

Over the last two seasons, Igwebuike, who transitioned from safety to running back in the NFL, has plenty of experience as a kick returner. He has 39 career kick returns across the last two seasons in the NFL, and with Calvin Austin III now capturing a more significant role in the offense, the team likely wants to downplay the risk of injury there as much as possible with Diontae Johnson out.

“I can do a lot of different things as a player,” Igwebuike said. “Whether that’s running the ball, catching it, or kick returns, I can do that all. I’ve grown more comfortable at this spot over the years. I’m really confident in my entire game.”

The 6-foot, 212-pound Igwebuke was a three-year starter at safety for the Wildcats, and was still playing that position when he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a UDFA in 2018.

You can see the appeal comparing his pre-draft testing as a running back instead of a defensive back. Igwebuike ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash, had elite agility in the shuttle (4.12 seconds) and three-cone drill (6.56 seconds), and had a 10-foot-8 broad jump. His RAS score as a running back was 9.77

Igwebuike played one game at safety with Tampa before being claimed on waivers by the San Francisco 49ers later that season. Igwebuike played five games in San Francisco. All his contributions in his rookie season came on special teams, and he recorded two tackles. So, not only does he bring some value as a returner, but he can make actual plays in space on special teams, too.

In 2021, he signed with the Detroit Lions, who converted him to a running back right before the beginning of the season. He played 17 games with the Lions that year, rushing 18 times for 188 yards. He scored a 42-yard touchdown at Acrisure Stadium against the Steelers. He also had seven catches for 60 yards.

His kick return skills are a recent introduction to his skillset, but Igwebuike is a guy the Steelers will trust with giving them quality reps as the RB3. Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris will have their roles on offense, while Igwebuike will be a key member to complement the rest of the group.