In these strange post-Roethlisberger days of the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Mason Rudolph dominating ball in shorts as he never has, while subserviently awaiting the expected arrival of a 41-year-old free agent to take his place, the search for a second starting wide receiver continues.
The front office has promoted third-year speedster Calvin Austin, even listing his 5-7 3/4 combine-measured frame as 5-9, 162. Roman Wilson, injured all of last season after being drafted in the third round, isn't much bigger at 5-10 3/4. The latter seems to be the media darling in this competition to replace George Pickens.
But there are a couple of others who made their presence felt at yesterday's practice, the second of the spring. Both receivers ended the workout by walking off the field together, the wiley veteran doing all the talking; the young, talented long shot listening intently.