When Mike Tomlin promised changes in the way the Steelers have been doing things following their three-game losing streak, he said some might be so subtle they might not be recognizable to most people.
But Thursday, the team unveiled a change that should be recognizable to many. As Artie Burns confirmed, he got some reps with the first-team defense as the Steelers prepared for the Patriots Sunday at Heinz Field.
Inserting Burns back into the starting lineup after a seven-week banishment to the bench would be a move that is hardly subtle. But the Steelers would be doing so with the thought their 2016 first-round draft pick would respond in a positive fashion to the move.
"If it was me, in my experience, I would be on edge trying to play my best football game," Keith Butler said Thursday after practice at the Rooney Complex. "I think anybody who's been in that situation and had a chance to come back and play, you're always going to be trying to be in your very best mind frame and give your very best effort. I think he'll do that."
Burns, who was benched in favor of veteran Coty Sensabaugh, said that's exactly the case.
"Yeah, you know, if my number is called, definitely," Burns said. "I want to be out there. Late in the season, there's not a lot of time left before the playoffs. Definitely."
Burns has not started since a Week 5 win at Cincinnati when he gave up an easy touchdown at the end of the first half to Tyler Boyd that tied the game. Since then, he's played mostly on special teams, taking a defensive snap here or there when needed. But his playing time hasn't been significant.
What did he do in the meantime?
"It was a lot of film study and keeping my body in tip-top shape, stuff like that," Burns said.
The Steelers are willing to turn over any stone in an effort to end their current three-game losing streak that has left them at 7-5-1 and clinging to a half-game lead over the Ravens for first place in the AFC North. That will be tested down the stretch, starting this week against the Patriots.
"I hope it helps us. We need some help," Butler said.
It also would help the Steelers in the long term if Burns can recover and play good football in their final three games of this regular season. The Steelers need to make a decision about Burns' long-term future one way or the other. A chance to play in one of their biggest games could be just what is needed.
"I think it's hard to say until you put him in live situations, until it gets for real, not just out here on the practice field." Butler said of what he expects. "We'll have to wait and see."
But Burns has a good idea. Still just 23, he feels his best football is ahead of him. He knows he just has to show it on the field.
"If it comes back around to me, I'll take advantage of the opportunity," Burns said.
