Steelers Now
It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers will be tasked with quieting one of the NFL’s brightest receivers in Dublin on Sunday. But Justin Jefferson isn’t the only one Mike Tomlin’s defense will have to watch out for. Former University of Pittsburgh wideout Jordan Addison will return for Kevin O’Connell’s team after serving a three-game suspension.
“The return of Jordan Addison, I think, is significant,” Tomlin said Tuesday during a press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “Watched him a lot when he was in Pittsburgh. He is a talented receiver. He’s capable of taking the top off the coverage. He has very good body control and hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. He’s good after the catch.”
The NFL suspended Addison three games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Addison, a 2021 first-team All-American, was Kenny Pickett’s favorite target with the Panthers. Addison piled up 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns on 100 grabs that season, winning the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s most outstanding receiver. He transferred out of then-defending ACC champion Pitt to join Caleb Williams at USC.
The Vikings selected Addison with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Over two professional go-rounds, he’s posted 133 catches for 1,786 yards and 19 touchdowns.
The Steelers’ banged-up secondary could get starters DeShon Elliott and Joey Porter Jr. back for the overseas clash. Addison’s presence will ensure the Steelers’ covermen can’t key in on Jefferson, a two-time first-team Associated Press All-Pro.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Vikings Get ‘Significant’ Wide Receiver Back vs. Steelers
