Steelers Wide Receiver Set for IR Return

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers opened the 21-day window for wide receiver Ben Skowronek to return to practice on Wednesday and the former Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl champ did so in full capacity.

Skowronek has been on the injured reserve list since injuring his shoulder in the Steelers’ Week 2 win over the Denver Broncos. He remains on the list for now, while his practice window is open. If the 21 days end and the Steelers have not reinstated Skowronek, he will be forced to remain on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.

It’s unclear what role Skowronek will have for the Steelers at his return. He was initially brought in to bolster the team’s wide receiver depth and play on special teams.

But the Steelers brought in veteran receiver Mike Williams in a trade at the deadline on Tuesday and have been getting excellent special teams play as of late, with the team blocking kicks in three straight games and getting a punt return touchdown in a fourth while Skowronek has been on the IR.

In his first two games before the injury, Skowronek played just six snaps of offense and 23 snaps on special teams.He was not targeted with a pass and recorded one special teams tackle. He had been playing on kickoff, kick return and punt coverage units, specifically working as a punt gunner. Terrell Edmunds and James Pierre have since filled that roles.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS INJURY REPORT