The Steelers have a wide receiver problem, and everybody knows it. This is why Omar Khan tried so diligently to trade for a wide receiver during the offseason and why a trade was in place for Brandon Aiyuk before the 49ers pulled the rug out from under Pittsburgh's feet.
When trade options fell through, the Steelers pushed forward with the roster they had. Unfortunately, the receiver position looks even more discouraging just three weeks into the season.
On September 18, Teresa Varley of Steelers.com reported that wide receiver Ben Skowronek is heading to IR. Skowronek served as a backup receiver and special teams gunner for the Steelers before sustaining an injury in Week 2 against the Broncos.
While Skowronek wasn't exactly an integral part of the team's winning formula, the Steelers can't afford to lose any more depth on their roster.
Steelers WR depth is thinner than most fans realize
Heading into Pittsburgh's Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Steelers have just three healthy receivers on their 53-man roster: George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Scotty Miller.
Rookie third-round pick Roman Wilson is still working his way back from an ankle injury he suffered on the first padded practice of Steelers training camp. He has yet to see the field for an NFL snap after missing the entire preseason.
While Calvin Austin III wasn't mentioned when Mike Tomlin brushed over injuries heading into Week 3, the speedy receiver suffered a scary blow to the head and neck area against the Broncos and didn't return to the game. Even if Austin is good enough to suit up this week, that leaves the Steelers with four receivers (if Wilson can't go once again).
The Steelers have the thinnest wide receiver room in the NFL, and the injury to Skowronek didn't help. Can you imagine what would happen if George Pickens was forced to miss time? The offense wouldn't be able to function.
Entering Week 3, no Steelers receiver outside of Pickens has more than 15 receiving yards. Injuries at the WR position are putting Pittsburgh in a scary situation. With critically thin depth at the position, they would be wise to seek outside help.
