Steven Sims: ‘I’m Going to Get a Shot’ at Punt Returner vs. Bills

PITTSBURGH — Steelers wide receiver Steven Sims will take over as the Steelers’ primary kick and punt returner when the team travels north to Buffalo to take on the 3-1 Bills.

“it’s going to be mine I’m [going] to get a shot at it this weekend, so I’m excited about that,” Sims said. “Can’t wait to see what happens. It’s going to be a good weekend.”

Sims has experience as a return man in Washington with the Commanders. However, this will be the first time Sims doing it as the primary punt returner in a bit. The last true punt return that Sims took in a regular season game was in 2020, where he returned 20 punts for 160 yards in Washington.

“It’s been a little while,” Sims said. “But I’m excited though, I’m ready.”

The move for Sims taking the role comes after Gunner Olszewski fumbled twice on punt returns during the first four weeks of the season. That included a fumble against the Jets. On Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin expressed little confidence in Olszewski as the return man moving forward.

“Not very high to be quite honest with you, man,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said when asked about his comfort level with Olszewski on punt returns. “You can’t put two balls on the ground in four games and feel good about it. Two is a pattern in the National Football League. We say that often. We say that about runners and ball security.”

Over his career, Sims has racked up 186 yards on 30 punt returns. He also brings some dynamism as a kick returner, where he as a touchdown and 819 return yards in his rookie season back in 2019. At Kansas, Sims was the returner with regularity for the Jayhawks.

Pittsburgh will look for sure-handedness and reliability in Sims, who ripped off an explosive punt return in the preseason. After being inactive through the first four weeks, the veteran will have his opportunity.