The lauded Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 draft class might yet make a major impact on the organization. Its members barely registered notice in their NFL debut, though.
No rookies were in the starting lineup for Sunday’s 30-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. But five of the six rookies on the roster got into the game. Seventh-round pick offensive lineman Spencer Anderson was in uniform but did not play a snap.
The only statistics recorded by Steelers rookies were a tackle and two assists by defensive lineman Keeanu Benton, an assisted tackle by outside linebacker Nick Herbig and a solo tackle by cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Porter, the No. 32 overall pick, played sparingly in the secondary. Benton and Herbig — second- and fourth-round picks, respectively, from Wisconsin — worked in a rotation at their position in a complementary role.
Tight end Darnell Washington, a third-round pick, barely played on offense and received no targets. First-round offensive tackle Broderick Jones entered the game for the Steelers’ final four offensive snaps after Chuks Okorafor was forced to leave because of injury. Jones went in at left tackle, with starting left tackle Dan Moore moving to the right side vacated by Okorafor.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett was sacked twice over those four plays.
Another NFL debut
Another player made his NFL debut for the Steelers on Sunday, but he is not a rookie. Receiver Calvin Austin III was a 2022 fourth-round pick who suffered a foot injury during training camp and did not play in any games.
The speedy, 5-foot-9 Austin on Sunday led the Steelers in catches with six, managing 37 yards, and he also drew a defensive pass interference penalty that gained the Steelers 11 yards. Austin also served as the Steelers’ punt returner, but he had just one return for 2 yards.
10 others make team debut
The Steelers tied a club record by signing 11 unrestricted free agents over the offseason, and 10 veterans made their first regular-season appearance with the team Sunday.
Six started: left guard Isaac Seumalo, receiver Allen Robinson, safety Keanu Neal, cornerback Patrick Peterson and inside linebackers Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts.
Veterans signed who did not start but played as reserves Sunday included defensive back Chandon Sullivan, outside linebacker Markus Golden, inside linebacker Kwon Alexander and offensive lineman Nate Herbig. Herbig played only on special teams.
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Chris Adamski is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Chris by email at cadamski@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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September 11, 2023 at 05:35AM
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Steelers notes: Though they didn't start, 5 rookies among 16 who make team debut - TribLIVE
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