What to Expect in Adam Thielen's Steelers Debut

Here's what to look forward to when Adam Thielen takes the field with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time.

Oct 2, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrates in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Saints 28-25. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers added some more firepower to their offense when they claimed wide receiver Adam Thielen after being waived by the Minnesota Vikings. The move is a last-ditch effort to bolster their passing game and to surround quarterback Aaron Rodgers with options over the final stretch of the regular season.

Thielen's tenure with the Steelers is just a few days old, but the organization is quickly being integrated into the offense. Unlike the earlier addition of receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, there appears to be a plan to involve Thielen immediately.

Steelers' Plan for Thielen

The Steelers have wasted no time making Thielen a part of the first-team offense. In addition, he's been putting in extra work to learn the offensive plays, their checks at the line of scrimmage and a general understanding of the verbiage and hand gestures used in their system. He's been working after practice with backup quarterbacks trying to make headway in that respect.

The truncated onboarding time also suggests the Steelers have a plan for him to play as soon as in Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens. His route tree will not be as extensive or complicated as other second wide receivers' are, but there are a few tried and true ways they could get him the ball.

One way is on quick out routes. The Steelers are heavily reliant on screen passes, and this is just a step away from those beloved screens. Thielen's Pro Bowl days are long gone, but he still possesses precision in his route-running and a steady set of hands. He can use that to his advantage to become a short-yardage receiver that Rodgers can look for.

Thielen is also a seasoned run blocker, which is another reason the team can use him immediately. Expect him to feature in run personnel packages as he begins his time with the Steelers.

That also will allow the Steelers to ramp up Thielen's impact and usage on offense. With some trust built between he and Rodgers, the fuller wide receiver two route tree can be unleased over the final four contests.

Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) runs after a catch against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

You've Got a Friend in Me

What gives the Steelers hope that Thielen can make an immediate impact is his relationship with their starting quarterback. He and Rodgers go way back. They were combatants in the NFC North when Rodgers was with the Green Bay Packers and Thielen a member of the Vikings, now they are teammates for the first time in their professional careers.

Rodgers thinks that Thielen is more than just another body on the roster. He believes that the 35-year-old pass-catcher has plenty to provide the team.

"I think he's got a lot left in the tank," Rodgers told reporters. "And a lot of impetus to go out there and put some good play on film."

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