In just his second year, Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Antonio Brown became the first NFL player to surpass 1,000 yards in receiving and returns last season, was voted as the club's MVP by his teammates, earned a first trip to the Pro Bowl as a returner and received a $42 million contract extension through 2017.
Not only was Brown dangerous as a kickoff and punt returner with 1,062 total yards last season, but the former sixth-round draft pick also had 69 receptions for 1,108 yards and set a Steelers record with 2,211 all-purpose yards. Brown tallied 51 catches in the final nine games and expected to have an increased receiving role this season with possibly a reduced role on special teams.
When the Steelers received their first punt against the Denver Broncos in the season-opener last week, however, Brown dropped back to receive the kick. Many believed rookie sensation Chris Rainey would be the Steelers lead returner this season, but he had a secondary role in that regard and tertiary one as a running back.
"I don't know what the coaches are going to do in the return game this week,'' Brown said. "Whoever they think gives us the best chance to win, that's who's going to play. ... I definitely love it. I love returning punts, so I'll be ready.
"Any opportunity I can get to help my team, I want to do that, no matter how long or how much extra I'm on the field. So, if I could provide a spark for the team with a long return or long reception, either way is fine with me.''
Since Rainey's speed was on display throughout the preseason, including punt returns for touchdowns for 71 and 90 yards in the final game (although both were called back on penalties), he was not used in the regular-season opener. Rainey carried the ball twice as well, for seven yards and minus-2.
"Rainey's a good player, a fast guy, but I'm sure they're kind of easing him into it,'' Brown said. "Coach T. always said that every man with a hat has to be ready, so I'm always ready to help my team when my number's called. Coach gave me that opportunity to return punts, and I was ready to do my job.''
Running Back By Committee: The Steelers had two main ball carriers at Denver, starter Isaac Redman and backup Jonathan Dwyer, with 20 carries combined. But with first-year player Baron Batch and rookie Chris Rainey pushing for playing time and former starter Rashard Mendenhall on the verge of returning, the Steelers backfield could be crowded soon.
"I've been at a place when we ran that pretty effectively and led the league in rushing with a committee of backs, much to the chagrin of Fantasy Football team owners,'' Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley said Thursday. "Whatever it takes. We've got a nice group. They did some good things, but across the board we've got to do better in the run.''
Haley deferred to head coach Mike Tomlin when asked if Mendenhall was close to playing, but "I'm just glad to see him out here,'' Haley added. "And every day, he looks better to me.''
Whenever Mendenhall gets some game action, it will be earlier than many expected, since it's only been eight months since his knee injury and ensuing reconstructive surgery.
"I'm not surprised at all, but from the beginning I've just taken it one day at a time,'' Mendenhall said. "And I'm continuing to do that now. I've worked really hard, as well, and I always stay in good shape. So, my overall conditioning has been a big asset in my coming back so quickly.
Mendenhall has continued to say that he's day-to-day, as far as returning to the field in a game, but Dwyer (foot) and defensive end Ziggy Hood (back) were back on the field after a day off and both expected to play Sunday.
Safety Troy Polamalu (calf strain) and outside linebacker James Harrison (left knee) did not practice Thursday, and their status was unknown for Sunday.
"God willing, I'll be out there Friday, but we'll see,'' Polamalu said. "It's up to the coaches and our training staff if I play, so you'll have to ask Coach Tomlin.''
Injury update for the Steelers: OT Max Starks (illness) and ILB Stevenson Sylvester (knee) also did not practice. Starks is expected to return Friday, while Sylvester is going to be out for a while.
Injury update or the Jets: TE Dustin Keller (hamstring), S LaRon Landry (heel), CB Darrelle Revis (concussion), LB Bryan Thomas (hamstring) and CB Isaiah Trufant (ankle) did not practice. While RB John Connor (knee), WR Stephen Hill (calf), WR Jeremy Kerley (back), LB Joshua Mauga (rib), DT Sione Pouha (back) and S Eric Smith (hip, knee) participated on a limited basis.
Follow Dale Grdnic on Twitter for real-time updates from Steelers training camp @CBSSteelers.
