When Eli Rogers returned late in the 2018 season, he didn't get too many chances to show why the Steelers kept him while he recovered from an long-term knee injury. Now, Rogers returns with competition at his position that could push him off the depth chart, but I'm here to break down why that won't be so easy.
Rogers went from playing in 14 games in 2017 to just three in 2018. His injury opened the door for Ryan Switzer to make a name for himself as the team's undersized and often overlooked slot receiver. Rogers came back and posted 12 catches on 14 targets for 79 yards and a two-point conversion.
Rogers isn't tall, fast or elite in any regard, but his rapport with Ben Roethlisberger has been a big reason he's stuck around since 2016. When Rogers would make mistakes in training camp, you could see Roethlisberger working closer with him than other receivers. The two have connected in some tight spots for the team over the years, and that shouldn't be overlooked.
Even in his limited time last season, Rogers found ways to make an impact. When teams were too busy with JuJu Smith-Schuster and the Steelers' top receiving threats, Rogers could work into open space and take advantage of a defense that overlooked his role.
Here he is doing just that, running a shorter crossing route underneath Smith-Schuster, opening up space to get a one-on-one opportunity to make his man miss and convert a crucial 3rd-and-10:
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But anyone can catch passes when they're wide open, and keeping a roster spot requires a player to provide their own contributions to the roster. Rogers showed he could make the tough catches over the middle and have strong chemistry with Roethlisberger.
Even when Roethlisberger might not put a pass in the most catchable spot, I've seen Rogers reach out and find different ways to work with that opportunity. Watch how he catches this ball with one hand while being jammed by All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Rogers got inside position on Gilmore to present an easier target for Roethlisberger, allowing for a conversion to keep the drive alive:
Well-coordinated defenses, like the Patriots, will find ways to take away star players and preferred targets. Rogers is one of the guys who won't draw that kind of attention and can be the sneaky player who catches defenses off guard with his quick cuts and toughness over the middle.
Keep an eye out for what Dale Lolley sees this week in minicamp from Rogers and Switzer. It won't be the determining factor of who gets the job, but it will be the beginning of an interesting training camp battle for the fifth receiver spot.
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