Getty NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on October 20 that head coach Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers have released wide receiver Gunner Olszewski.
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be cleaning house a little bit ahead of their Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on October 20 that the Steelers are releasing veteran wide receiver Gunner Olszewski.
The #Steelers are releasing WR Gunner Olszewski, per source. A productive veteran special teamer and receiver available.
The 26-year-old was in his second season with the Steelers. But Pittsburgh had him on the active roster for only two of its first five games in 2023.
In those two contests, Olszewski lost 2 fumbles — one on offense during Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns and another as a punt returner in Week 5 versus the Baltimore Ravens.
Olszewski’s release comes three days after Pelissero reported the Steelers were planning to release veteran defensive back Desmond King if they couldn’t find a trade partner.
Pittsburgh officially released King and signed rookie cornerback Darius Rush off the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad on October 18.
Both Olszewski and King received snaps as Pittsburgh’s top kickoff returner from Weeks 2-5.
Steelers Release Gunner Olszewski After Very Disappointing Tenure
When the Steelers signed Olszewski to a two-year, $4.2 million deal before the 2022 season, it seemed like the team was getting a smart former All-Pro specialist.
In three seasons with the New England Patriots, he averaged 22 yards per kick return and 12 yards per punt return. During 2020, he led the NFL with 17.3 yards per punt return and made first-team All-Pro.
But with the Steelers, Olszewski averaged 14 yards per kick return and 7 yards per punt return. He also fumbled 4 times in 18 games.
His most recent fumble nearly cost the Steelers in Week 5 against the Ravens. Olszewski fumbled a punt at Pittsburgh’s 25-yard line with about 5:30 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Steelers trailing 10-8. But Pittsburgh’s defense intercepted Lamar Jackson in the end zone on the ensuing drive to give the Steelers offense another chance.
Last season, Olszewski fumbled a punt during the third quarter of a one-possession game against the Patriots. The fumble gave New England the ball in the red zone, and the Patriots converted the opportunity into a touchdown.
The Steelers eventually lost the game 17-14.
Against the Browns this season, Olszewski caught a kickoff that appeared to be heading for the sidelines at the 9-yard line before then running out of bounds. The mistake cost the Steelers 26 yards of field position.
Olszewski never consistently contributed on offense with the Patriots, but he underwhelmed in that area too during his Pittsburgh stint. On 8 targets, Olszewski made 6 catches for 53 yards over 18 games.
He suffered a concussion on his only reception during the 2023 season.
RB Anthony McFarland Set to Return as Steelers Kickoff Returner?
That concussion prevented Olszewski from dressing during Weeks 3 and 4. Without him, King took over as the Steelers kickoff returner.
But that’s a role that could go back to running back Anthony McFarland this week. McFarland returned kickoffs for the Steelers in Week 1, but he left the game with a knee injury.
He hasn’t played since then, but McFarland returned to practice on October 16 and has fully practiced ahead of Week 7.
Before exiting with his injury, McFarland was one of the bright spots for the Steelers during Week 1. He had 91 return yards on 3 returns, averaging 30.3 yards per kickoff return.
Pittsburgh has not confirmed that McFarland will definitely play in Week 7, but the release of both King and Olszewski is an indication that McFarland will be ready.
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Steelers Release Another Veteran Ahead of Week 7 Matchup: Report