Steelers Elevate WR Steven Sims From Practice Squad

The Steelers are without JuJu Smith-Schuster for the entire season due to a shoulder injury. Then, Chase Claypool suffered a toe injury in the Steelers’ Week 9 win over the Chicago Bears that will hold him out of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions. With two receivers down, the Steelers needed to make a move.

As a result, the Steelers are elevating wide receiver Steven Sims from the practice squad and onto the Active/Inactive roster, the team announced Saturday.

The former Washington Football Team receiver will make his season debut after being signed to the practice squad after the preseason. Sims, 24, was coached by Steelers wide receiver coach Ike Hilliard in Washington. Over the past two seasons, Sims amassed 575 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 61 receptions. The other caveat here is that Sims is also an experienced return man.

Sims averaged 25.6 yards per return in 2019, good for 32 returns for 819 yards and a touchdown to go along with it. He also has experience returning punts, returning 24 punts for Washington in 2020.

With Claypool out, James Washington is likely to see his highest snap count of the season. Ray-Ray McCloud and Cody White may follow suit. It remains to be seen just how much the Steelers mix Sims into the rotation.