The Pittsburgh Steelers made some intriguing tweaks to their wide receiver group ahead of their Week 14 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens - and those moves paid off in a big way on the scoreboard. Among the notable changes: veteran Adam Thielen suited up for the first time in black and gold, Marquez Valdes-Scantling was elevated from the practice squad, and rookie Roman Wilson was a healthy scratch.
Let’s start with Thielen. Just days removed from being released by the Minnesota Vikings, the 35-year-old wideout was already making his presence felt in Pittsburgh - not necessarily on the stat sheet, but in the locker room and on the field.
Thielen caught just one pass for four yards in the Steelers’ gritty road win, but that lone reception wasn’t the full story. What stood out more was his energy, his willingness to step in on short notice, and the emotional boost he brought to a team in the middle of a playoff push.
“I got my love for the game back being out there and being able to play the game that I love,” Thielen said after the win - a telling quote from a player who’s been through the highs and lows of a long NFL career.
And make no mistake, this wasn’t just a ceremonial debut. Thielen logged 25 snaps - more than both Calvin Austin III and Valdes-Scantling, who each played 16.
That made him Pittsburgh’s No. 2 wideout in terms of usage, despite being with the team for less than a week. It’s a clear sign that Mike Tomlin and the coaching staff see value in his veteran presence, even if he’s not the same explosive threat he was during his peak years in 2017 and 2018.
Thielen’s departure from Minnesota came after a frustrating stretch. In 11 games with the Vikings this season, he had just eight catches on 18 targets for 69 yards - and only 10 of those yards came after the catch.
That’s a steep drop-off for a player known for his route-running and reliability. With rookie quarterback J.J.
McCarthy struggling and the Vikings fading from playoff contention, Thielen asked for - and was granted - his release.
Now in Pittsburgh, he’s found a fresh start. And while expectations should be tempered - at 35, he’s not going to suddenly become a WR1 again - his early involvement suggests the Steelers are counting on him to play a meaningful role down the stretch. Whether that means moving the chains on third down, mentoring younger receivers, or simply being a steady hand in high-leverage moments, there’s still a place for a player like Thielen in this league.
The Steelers are clearly still figuring out what their best wide receiver rotation looks like. Sitting Roman Wilson, a third-round pick from this year’s draft, was a notable decision - especially with playoff implications on the line.
But it also speaks to the urgency of the moment. Pittsburgh is trying to win now, and that means leaning on experience, even if it comes in the form of a midseason addition like Thielen.
It’s too early to say what kind of impact Thielen will have statistically, but his mindset is in the right place. He’s energized, he’s engaged, and he’s bought into the Steelers’ system. That alone gives Pittsburgh another veteran voice in the huddle - and in December football, that can make all the difference.