Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ first drive of the season ended how they hoped it would. Aaron Rodgers’ 22-yard strike to Ben Skowronek was the team’s first opening-drive touchdown since Dec. 23, 2023.
It was also an air strike of the likes the Steelers haven’t seen in some time.
“On the Steelers TD … Ben Skowronek had 8.5 yards of separation when the TD pass arrived, the most open a receiver has been on a Steelers pass TD since Week 13, 2021. (Roethlisberger/(Dionate) Johnson, 10 yds), per @NextGenStats,” Jets ESPN reporter Rich Cimini wrote Sunday on X.
Skowronek isn’t known for creating separation like Johnson was. He isn’t as household a name as DK Metcalf or Calvin Austin III. Second-year wideout Roman Wilson might even be more of a recognizable player. Skowronek is valued as much for his special teams ability as he is a pass-catcher.
His only other NFL touchdown reception was in 2023 with the Los Angeles Rams, who selected him in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Skowronek initially signed with the Steelers’ practice squad in 2024. He eventually climbed to the active roster, showing enough to re-up with the team this offseason.
Entering Sunday, Skowronek had played in 55 career games, including 10 for the Steelers a campaign ago. He notched just five receptions during his first go-round in black and gold, totaling 69 yards and four first downs.
As a special teamer, Skowronek had seven combined tackles last season, the fourth-most on that unit.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers’ Early TD Provides Promising Indication
