What does Sweed’s injury mean for Steelers?
This was going to be Limas Sweed’s year. I really believed that.
Sweed, a second round draft pick out of Texas, was going to be entering his third season with the Steelers. The 3rd season has often been a turning point for Steelers wide receivers.
If we look at former Steelers wide receiver Nate Washington, his career had many parallels with Sweed’s. Washington was a fast receiver who had lots of physical talent, but who just couldn’t seem to master the mental aspects of the game early in his career. He would get great separation from his defender, but then he would drop a perfectly thrown pass. This (very frustrating) scenario played out repeatedly during Washington’s first two years on the team. He just couldn’t seem to hold onto the ball. But then, in his third season, something just seemed to click in Washington’s brain, and the drops turned into catches.
I was optimistic that the same transformation was going to happen for Limas Sweed this year. He came into Steelers mini-camp with a renewed focus, after being placed on injured reserve for the final two games of the 2009 season due to emotional problems. Limas seemed to be working hard, and he had even changed his jersey number to indicate that he was looking for a fresh start. But then on the final day of mini-camp, Sweed injured his left achilles tendon. The extent of the injury has not yet been announced, but it is thought to be potentially serious.
Steelers WR Limas Sweed
A major achilles tendon injury could easily cause a player to lose an entire season. That would be a big disappointment, both for Limas Sweed and for the Steelers. But injuries happen.
Sweed was probably the leading candidate to become the Steelers’ #3 wide receiver. Despite bringing back Antwaan Randle El, Sweed was the favorite to win the job. Sweed is taller and faster than Randle El, and we all know that Ben Roethlisberger likes tall wide receivers. That’s why the Steelers drafted Sweed in the first place.
With Sweed out, the door is suddenly open for a few players to work their way into the wide receiver picture. Arnaz Battle was brought in primarily as a special teams player, but he will now get a closer look at wide receiver. Tyler Grisham spent most of last season on the practice squad, but he was activated for the final 4 games of the season. He will also have an opportunity to work his way up the depth chart. And of course, the Steelers drafted two rookies who both had prolific college careers. Both Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders will have an opportunity to try to win a spot in Bruce Arians’ passing offense.
While Sweed’s injury is unfortunate, it definitely shines a spotlight on several players that I didn’t expect to make much of a contribution this season. The question is, “which one will rise up and snatch the opportunity?” If I were a betting man, my money would be on……….
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Big Ben is out for 4-6 games. So who ever Leftwich or Batch like will probably get the nod.Could be a 2010 draft pick.
1With all due respect for your optimism for Sweed the picture you posted will now probably live forever in Steeler minds. Though you should’ve posted the next picture of him clutching his wrist being helped off the field. If he does lose the season due to this injury, I’m doubting the Steelers will keep him especially if either or both of our draft picks show any sign of potential. I agree with Ron, if BL finds a receiver he can ‘depend on’ that guy will probably get the nod. If I were a betting man I’d put my money on Randel El. Also, if Sweed does get put on IR I’m thinking the Steelers will recruit another receiver. I looked at the list of free agents and a certain Tyree is still on the market and would make a pretty good #3…
2My bets would be:
31) Sweed goes on the IR and we try again next year (even 2nd round picks have affordable contracts so – given the talent and price, I see the Steelers keeping him)
2) Randel El (ARE) is the 3rd WR at the start of the Season (he is still more talented than Battle, is trusted as a veteran, and has a big advantage over the rookies trying to cope with the speed of the game and a more complex offense)
3) Grisham and Brown are fighting for the last possible WR spot if the Steelers keep 6 – but Brown has a better chance of making the roster by taking Logan’s spot (which, come to think of it, IS the 6th WR spot since Logan was classified as a WR last year)
4) As Sanders, Grisham or Brown get acclimated to the NFL, they have a chance to overtake ARE for the 3rd spot as the season progresses. I only see Battle overtaking ARE if it turns out that ARE simply doesn’t have anything left in the tank…whcih is unlikely since he’s only 29.
They will give Sweed an injury settlement (or whatever it’s called) and he’ll be cut.
Ward, Wallace, ARE are the top guys. After that, does it really matter? The Steelers don’t even use a 4th WR. If I had to bet, it will be Battle as 4th and Sanders as 5th, but those guys are only likely to be used in the event of an injury.
4Everyone seems to be high on Sanders from SMU. I thought Grisham showed flashes last year. I feel bad for Sweed. I really felt he was going to come around this year to and play well.
5Don’t bet against T Grish
6I figured Sweed was going to be cut this year, to be honest. In my opinion, Washington was not nearly as bad with the drops. Maybe it was because Sweed had higher expectations coming out of college. At any rate, I don’t think that they can cut a guy that is injured.
7Dan, yes they can cut an injured player. When they do this, as TO pointed out, it involves an injury settlement.
Given that Sweed’s salary is pretty low, I would assume thay would just put him on IR…unless they are ready to give up on him completely.
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