Steelers Making Changes to Kick/Punt Returners
LATROBE -- The Pittsburgh Steelers will break out two new returners in their second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed the team will roll out Anthony McFarland and Calvin Austin when they take the field at Acrisure Stadium.
Last week, undrafted rookie Jordan Byrd worked as the team's return man, fielding both kicks and punts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This week, Pittsburgh will look to deploy the two players they believe will operate as returners during the season, with McFarland as the kick returner and Austin as the punt returner.
Tomlin also said the team will play Chris Boswell, Pressley Harvin III and Christian Kuntz as well.
"Really excited about seeing the specialists work," Tomlin said. "Last week, we played the younger, new specialists. This week, we’re playing the guys who have Steelers experience. Looking forward to watch those guys execute. Specifically, in the return game, really interested in Anthony McFarland as a kick returner and Calvin Austin as a punt returner. We focused their efforts week on their offensive contributions, particularly in the first half of the game. We’re really going to be interested in the special teams contributions of those two, in particular, this week, along with their offensive responsibility. Looking for those guys to show their capabilities in that space, if given the opportunity."
Austin and McFarland have led the way during special teams drills all summer, with Gunner Olszewski, Byrd and a few others working behind them.
Austin fielded 29 punts for 323 yards and two touchdowns in college. McFarland has been utilized as a return option each summer he's been in Pittsburgh.
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