Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Markus Wheaton will likely start getting more looks in the offense, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Tribune. Wheaton has been on the field for only 12 plays through two games, and hasn't been targeted for a pass yet.
Markus Wheaton could start providing fantasy returns soon
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger indicated a desire to start working the rookie into the team’s offense more. We break down the fantasy implications.
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"I think you'll start to see him getting in more this week," said Roethlisberger of the rookie out of Oregon State. Wheaton could slot in as the team's third receiver behind Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders.
Fantasy impact: The team's current No. 3 receiver, Jerricho Cotchery, has caught seven of his 16 targets so far this year. He is not the receiver he once was, lending more credence to the idea that the disappointing 0-2 Steelers could use more of a playmaker on the offense. Tight end Heath Miller could also be on his way back from injury.
The team still has no semblance of a running game (rookie Le'Veon Bell is working back from an injury of his own, but is still unlikely to play), and its offensive line has struggled since center Maurkice Pouncey was lost for the season, so there might be a cap to what anyone can do in the passing game. That said, Wheaton is almost certainly a superior option to Cotchery, and could see some slight value in deeper leagues.
