Steelers Name Starting Kick Returner

The Steelers have a starting kick returner. Running back Anthony McFarland will be the starting kick returner for Pittsburgh, while Calvin Austin III will man punt returns, the Steelers listed on their depth chart before Week 1. McFarland only got two chances for returns during the preseason, but he will now look for success in the regular season.

In his career, McFarland only has three total kick returns for 73 yards, with all of those kick returns coming in 2021. Even in his college career, McFarland played early as a player, incentivizing Maryland to keep him off the return teams. So, he only logged one kick return in his entire college career.

Special teams coach Danny Smith has trained McFarland in that role since he came into the NFL in 2020. So, it is little surprise to see him finally win that job. Wide receiver Gunner Olszewski is listed as his backup. Olszewski is the backup at both spots, with an All-Pro selection to his resume as a return man.

McFarland now adds some special teams value on top of his running back duties after a strong preseason and training camp. He earned his way onto the roster with his play and drew praise from Mike Tomlin following his inclusion on the initial 53-man roster.

“Continual growth. You know, play making, one on one play making,” Tomlin said. “He has a distinguishing trait that kind of distinguishes him from his position group. He won more in space than others. He’s a challenge in the passing game, probably presents more of a challenge than some others. And so, distinguishing varsity traits are things that have been his calling card that allowed him to ascend.”

Now, after showcasing those traits, McFarland not only made the roster but is set to have a role. At the very least, that role will occur on special teams.