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Ben Skowronek's Preseason Play Could Push Him Into a Real Offensive Role
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- Ben Skowronek's Preseason Play Could Push Him Into a Real Offensive Role
The Pittsburgh Steelers have completed their preseason campaign and the regular season is up next. Before they begin game planning for the Atlanta Falcons , they have a few tough choices to make ahead of Sunday's 6 p.m. roster cutdown deadline . There have been plenty of standout performances that ultimately won't be enough to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster . Some players could land on the practice squad or join other teams by the time next week arrives. However, one Steelers wide receiver has secured his spot after facing serious uncertainty following sweeping changes throughout the organization.
Ben Skowronek was not a guarantee to make this team . Though he is an excellent special teams ace, there were plenty of unknowns surrounding expectations during the integration of Mike McCarthy 's new coaching staff. Skowronek, though, has answered the call countless times and may be proving that he can be more than just a special teams contributor. Perhaps he can become a legitimate contributor at wide receiver.
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Skowronek, again, answered the challenge
Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) congratulates wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) on his touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Skowronek was already a well-known commodity on special teams . He also saw some offensive snaps over the past couple of seasons, but not enough to make him a lock for the roster. Regardless, Skowronek showed that he is a reliable wide receiver while once again demonstrating why he is so valuable on special teams. The bottom line is that Ben Sko answered the call.
Skowronek is going to have a clear role on this team as a premier special teams ace. He has also proven in years past that he is a willing and capable blocker. At first, it didn't seem like he would be a significant contributor on the offensive side of the ball. After a productive preseason, that needs to change. Not only did he display the toughness needed to fit into this offense, but he also proved to be a reliable target for the Steelers' quarterbacks throughout the preseason.
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Should Skowronek be more involved in the offense?
Nov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) takes the field against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Skowronek showed plenty of reliable playmaking on possession downs. In the first two preseason games, he converted multiple third downs, and made an excellent fourth-down catch during a two-minute drill. Those plays showed that he can make the catches and timely plays needed to sustain drives. As it stands, he could very well find opportunities to contribute on the offensive side of the ball.
Skowronek is a willing and effective blocker at wide receiver. Add that to the strong plays he made in the passing game this preseason and he could find himself on the field more often than expected. The Steelers' top two receivers are DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. They are followed by two unproven talents in Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard. Chances are, Skowronek will find his niche on running downs as a blocker or as a fourth wide receiver.
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Skowronek's exact role on offense isn't clear yet, but his ability to contribute in multiple ways gives the Steelers another option. However, one thing is clear: Skowronek will answer the call.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
