Dec 10, 2015 4 min read

PITTSBURGH – When the Steelers hosted the Cincinnati Bengals last month, tight ends Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth combined for 11 pass receptions for 109 yards by working the middle of the field.

Rookie tight end Jesse James wasn’t active for that game, a 16-10 loss for the Steelers.

James, however, has had an opportunity to play in each of the Steelers’ past four games and has shown himself to be a factor, catching seven passes for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Those aren’t mind-boggling numbers, but the rookie has gotten better each week and adjusted to playing the game at its highest level.

“You can’t simulate experience,” said Miller. “As (James has) gotten more game experience, he’s gotten better. From Day 1, he has always been prepared, always known what to do. It’s just a matter of time and opportunity.”

Injuries to both Miller and Spaeth could create more opportunities for James this week when the Steelers (7-5) play at Cincinnati (10-2) Sunday.

Miller, the Steelers’ second-leading receiver with 39 catches, sat out the Steelers’ 45-10 win Sunday over Indianapolis because of a rib injury while Spaeth, more of a blocking tight end, has been in and out of the lineup with a knee injury. Both veteran tight ends missed practice Wednesday and were limited Thursday, perhaps opening the door for James to take on a bigger role against the Bengals.

“I feel good to do whatever I have to do,” said James, a graduate of South Allegheny High School who played at Penn State. “If they need me to go in and play every down, then I’m ready to go to the best of my ability and help us win this game.”

Miller’s status could be a game-time decision. Miller has confidence in James’ ability to get the job done against the Bengals.

James had three receptions for 30 yards in the first quarter against Indianapolis, showing an ability to find the soft spot in a zone defense. He didn’t catch another pass, but did make his presence felt with some solid blocking.

“He made a couple of good plays in the middle of the field, especially the one on the basic cross, where he had to extend and catch the ball,” said offensive coordinator Todd Haley. “That’s not a play everybody makes or can make.”

It was a big step for a player who didn’t exactly shine in his first game. Playing in the Hall of Fame Game at Canton, Ohio, James dropped two passes, including one that tipped off his hands and was intercepted.

Some people wondered if the stage was too big for the fifth-round draft pick.

James has showed that wasn’t the case.

“They have a lot to learn early on, and one of the biggest things is just their physical conditioning,” said Haley. “To me, that’s where he’s made the most growth. You’ve seen his body change already. He slimmed down. He’s increased his speed and quickness. … Early in training camp, and in those early preseason games, he looked like he was dying on the vine.”

The impressionable 21-year-old James has taken to the tough-love style of tight ends coach James Daniel and also has learned a lot from Miller and Spaeth.

And with Miller and Spaeth on the wrong side of 30 – James was 10 years old when the Steelers selected Miller in the first round of the 2005 draft – James is eager to prove he has a future with the team.

“There’s always room to improve being as young as I am and only playing a short amount of time,” said James, who set a record for tight ends at Penn State with 11 career touchdown receptions.

“I’m doing well, but there are always things I can do better – stay on blocks, run routes better, be technically better. But I feel good about where I’m at and where I’m headed.”

Miller and Spaeth were the only Steelers who were limited or did not practice Thursday. … Safety George Iloka (groin) and cornerback Adam Jones (foot) did not practice for the Bengals. Offensive tackle Jake Fisher (concussion) and cornerback Leon Hall (back) were limited. … Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and running back DeAngelo Williams were named the FedEx Players of the Week at their respective positions this week for their performances against the Colts. It is the second time each player has won the award.