The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a Monday transaction, promoting rookie WR Demarcus Ayers to the 53 man roster and releasing kicker Randy Bullock.
Ayers was likely supposed to be called up to the roster before the New York Giants’ game but Chris Boswell’s injury threw a monkey wrench into that plan. The team was forced to sign Bullock, who filled in admirably for Boswell, going 3/3 in the win versus the Giants.
Ayers was a 7th round draft pick out of Houston, selected primarily to be a punt return candidate. It’s likely Antonio Brown still holds onto that job but Ayers will provide depth there and in the slot for games in which he’s active. With no Darrius Heyward-Bey and Markus Wheaton long gone, there is technically no real backup slot receiver on the roster right now.
The rookie was also a quarterback in high school and could be part of some gadget plays down the stretch.
The Steelers now have one spot open on the practice squad and will likely fill it after Tuesday’s batch of tryouts. Perhaps Brandon Brown-Dukes returns.
