During his Tuesday press conference for the upcoming 2014 regular season opener at Heinz Field against the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked to name his return specialist for the game.
“In the return game you’ll see Antonio Brown and Dri Archer and in the kickoff return game you’ll see Dri Archer along with LeGarrette Blount,” said Tomlin.
Tomlin was then asked if he’ll pick his spots as to when he will use Brown as a punt returner and the head coach gave an expected reply.
“I don’t live in my fears” said Tomlin. “He’s a Pro Bowl-caliber return man, so that’s what you do with those guys – you play them.”
Tomlin’s answers were pretty much as expected and if there were any player that he would likely carefully pick his spots to use Sunday against the Browns it would likely be Dri Archer, the Steelers rookie third-round draft pick.
Judging by Tomlin’s comments, Antonio Brown will likely get first crack at returning punts and the flow of the game will decide whether or not Archer gets an opportunity to return any punts or kickoffs. It would not be surprising at all to see LeGarrette Blount return the Steelers first kickoff in order to let Archer settle into his first regular season game.
