Eli Rogers returns to practice, but is he the No. 3 WR the team is looking for?

During the Pittsburgh Steelers’ divisional round loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, Eli Rogers tore his ACL. Talk about bad timing. The undrafted free agent wide receiver was set to hit the free agent market this past offseason, but instead spent it rehabbing from his unfortunate injury.

Once healthy enough to know he could play in the 2018 season, Rogers visited several teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, before deciding to stay with the Steelers for another season.

Rogers was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List, and has been there since the start of training camp — until now.

While Rogers technically remains on the PUP list, he has returned to practice, meaning the team has 21 days to decide what to do with the former Louisville product.

With Rogers’ eventual return imminent, it begs the question whether he will be the answer for the No. 3 wide receiver position for the Steelers’ offense.

There is no doubt who No. 1 and No. 2 are within the high-powered offense. JuJu Smith-Schuster leads the team in passing yards, while Antonio Brown has turned into a touchdown machine this year. After those two, it is a big group of players trying to account for the passes which should be intended for the No. 3 wide out.

James Washington was supposed to be that player, but has struggled throughout his rookie season. Could Rogers be the man the team has needed? Or will he be just another weapon in the arsenal for Ben Roethlisberger and Randy Fichtner?

Only time will tell, but his return to practice shows the team is preparing to see what he can bring to the table as the calendar turns from November to December — and the games grow more and more important by the week.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Los Angeles Chargers to come to Heinz Field this Sunday night in Week 13.