Rogers not overwhelmed by situation with Steelers
LATROBE – Steelers second-year receiver Eli Rogers hasn’t been overwhelmed being on the field with Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown.
When your high school quarterback was Teddy Bridgewater and the receiver lined up on the opposite side of the field was Amari Cooper, you’re not going to be fazed by Roethlisberger and Brown.
While many NFL players have to adjust to not being the most talented player on the field, Rogers is accustomed to playing his role, no matter what that might be.
“No, it hasn’t been overwhelming,” the former Louisville star said. “Those things that I saw and experienced when I was young, the guys who I played with talking football and outside of football, it really helped me in situations like this just being in the NFL with great talent around you. Being able to focus on your own mind and your own way to do things and staying on track, I think that helps.”
Rogers has looked the part of an NFL receiver, despite going undrafted last year and sitting out the season on injured reserve after having surgery to insert a screw into his right foot.
Though he caught just one pass for an eight-yard gain in the Steelers’ 30-17 preseason loss to the Detroit Lions Friday night, he starred in the joint practices against the Lions.
Working from the slot, Rogers was wide open every time quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looked his way during those practices. It’s obvious Rogers has quickly earned the trust of the Steelers’ starting quarterback, who did not play against the Lions.
“I’m just worried about coming out here every day and being the best player I can be and gaining the coaches’ trust and gaining Ben’s trust,” Rogers said. “I’ll fit into the offense wherever they need me.”
The Steelers need him as a slot receiver and possible replacement for Brown on punt returns.
They like what they see in the 5-10, 187-pound Rogers in the slot, where he can use his quickness to beat cornerbacks off the snap.
“We haven’t had a slot guy like him since I’ve been here,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley.
That was music to Rogers’ ears.
“He said that? Wow,” Rogers said. “That’s big coming from him. He’s a great coach. He’s coached a lot of great receivers. That’s great to hear. I’m fortunate for him to say that. I’m happy he feels that way, too.”
Rogers just might earn a spot on the 53-man roster, where the team is searching for another receiver to go with Brown, Markus Wheaton, Sammie Coates and Darrius Heyward-Bey. Coates had a rough game against the Lions, fumbling twice, perhaps opening the door for Rogers to slide in.
He feels he still has a lot to prove.
“I was undrafted, I was injured, so I just have a lot to prove to myself … and to this organization that they invested in the right guy,” Rogers said.
Odds and end zones
The Steelers will return to practice today at Saint Vincent College for their final three days of training camp. The practice, which begins at 2:55 p.m., is open to the public. … Cornerback Doran Grant, who had an interception return for a touchdown against the Lions, also led the Steelers with seven tackles. … Incumbent punter Jordan Berry had a much better day than Will Monday, who was brought into camp to challenge him. Berry averaged 59.7 yards on three punts with a net average of 56.3 and Monday had four punts for a 46.5-yard average and 36.3-yard net.