Aug 7, 2017 4 min read

LATROBE – The tight end position has evolved over the past decade to become one manned by bulked-up wide receivers who find blocking something akin to figuring out how to work an abacus – they just can’t do it.

The Steelers might not necessarily have a big pass-catching threat like a Rob Gronkowski or Travis Kelce, but they believe like they have enough options at the position – much like they did last season – to make things work.

“It’s a good group,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley. “Jesse (James) keeps improving. X (Xavier Grimble) has put in a lot of work. D.J. (David Johnson) has really improved his pass-catching skills and he’s very good as a blocker. So we have three guys there who all got a lot of playing time last season and they’re still getting better.”

The one tight end Haley didn’t mention isn’t really a tight end at all. But the Steelers began using backup offensive lineman Chris Hubbard as a tight end in the second half of last season and the offense took off.

The 6-4, 295-pound Hubbard also serves as a backup tackle, guard and center. But he added tight end to his résumé and has been working with that unit for certain drills throughout training camp.

“I’ve been doing a lot of work at that,” said Hubbard. “They put it in last year. At training camp this year, I’m just continuing to get better at the position.”

It wasn’t necessarily a natural feeling to report into a game as a tight end, but the Steelers began to do so with Hubbard after losing to Dallas to fall to 4-5.

Hubbard started the next week in what was essentially a six-man offensive line against Cleveland. Le’Veon Bell rushed for 146 yards, the Steelers won, 24-9, and Hubbard had himself a new position.

“A few games in, getting the role of things and the details about what’s happening on the field, you start feeling comfortable,” Hubbard said. “You learn the plays and get the job done week in and week out.”

The Steelers continued using that formation, typically putting Hubbard on the field at the same time as James in a two-tight end look that still gave them the option to run or pass. After the Steelers began using Hubbard as an extra blocking tight end, they didn’t lose again until the AFC Championship at New England, rattling off nine consecutive victories.

With Ladarius Green, the team’s failed offseason pickup at tight end last year now gone, it looks like Hubbard will continue his tight end work.

James, a third-year player, remains the starter. He caught 39 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns last season. Grimble, a former practice squad player, had 11 receptions for 118 yards and two scores. Johnson, the elder statesman of the group at 29, is the best blocker of the true tight end group but had seven catches for 80 yards.

It’s not the production of a Gronkowski or Kelce, but in an offense that includes Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant – when he is reinstated by the NFL following a year-long suspension – and even Bell, who had 75 catches last season, there might not be enough passes to go around.

Hubbard is fine with that. He’s not looking to add his first career catch anytime soon – unless that’s what’s asked of him.

“Yes sir,” he said with a laugh. “I’m just humble that I can play these positions. I’m willing to help the team out as much as I can. We want to go to the Super Bowl. Whatever I can do to help make that happen, I’m more than willing to do.”

After being off Monday, the Steelers return to practice today at 3 p.m. The session is open to the public. … The Steelers will practice at Saint Vincent College today and Wednesday before their first preseason game Friday at the New York Giants.