As if we needed more evidence that the Pittsburgh Steelers need to make a move at the wide receiver position, the situation with Robert Woods gives us that.
Woods has been relatively quiet this offseason and has failed to rise to the occasion in two preseason games, with the veteran tallying just one catch for four yards in preseason Week 1 before he was blanked in the second exhibition contest.
Steelers Depot's Alex Kozora examined Woods' snap count from preseason Week 2 and revealed that the 33-year-old wideout played more snaps (six) in the fourth quarter than he did in the first half (five).
Meanwhile, guys like Scotty Miller, Roman Wilson and Brandon Johnson were all off the field following the second quarter.
"Bad sign for Woods trying to make the 53," Kozora noted.
This is terrible news for Woods' chances of making the 53-man roster, as late-game snaps in the preseason are typically reserved for players who are fighting for a spot and not veterans who are likely to make the roster.
That said, it wouldn't be totally shocking to see Woods miss the cut given his age and clear decline over the past few seasons. Despite that, general manager Omar Khan was high on the signing and wide receiver corps. as a whole back in July.
"I feel really good [about the WR corps]. We traded for DK (Metcalf). But I saw, the growth from Calvin Austin last year. That was really cool to see. Watching Roman Wilson this offseason has been really great to see," Khan explained. "His progress and where he's at. We acquired Robert Woods, a veteran leader in that room. So, you know, feel really good about that position."
Woods is listed as the backup to starter Calvin Austin on the team's unofficial depth chart, but you can never put too much stock in that and based on what transpired on Saturday night, it would appear that Miller, Wilson and Johnson are ahead of him in the pecking order.
If the Steelers are planning on keeping that trio, along with Austin and DK Metcalf, that may leave just one spot for Woods to grab. The problem is that Ben Skowronek is also in the mix and by all accounts has been more impressive this offseason.
However, Skowronek is dealing with a toe injury, the severity of which remains unclear. If Woods is indeed in trouble, Skowronek's injury might be the only path he has to making the cut.
The Steelers are clearly not content with their current group (nor should they be), no matter what Khan has said in the past.
Pittsburgh is reportedly set for a visit with former Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis, who would be a welcomed addition given the uncertain situation at wide receiver.
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