Rookie fullback Riley Nowakowski is poised to contribute more than just traditional blocking in the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense. During recent OTAs, a practice clip revealed him running a route from the slot and successfully catching a pass, showcasing his receiving skills. While he'll primarily serve as a fullback, his past performance—like a key 29-yard catch during a collegiate game—indicates he has solid potential as a pass-catcher in the West Coast offense. His role this summer will likely include active participation in the passing game, though it's uncertain whether he’ll be viewed as a third tight end or an additional piece behind established players.

By the Numbers
  • Nowakowski caught 50 passes last season in college.
  • He made a significant 29-yard reception contributing to a game-winning drive against Penn State.
State of Play
  • Pittsburgh anticipates utilizing Nowakowski in the passing game during training camp.
  • He currently runs routes with the second and third-string offense at OTAs.
What's Next

As training camp approaches, Nowakowski's ability to demonstrate his skills will be crucial in defining his role, especially in a new offensive scheme. There's potential for him to secure a position as the third tight end if he proves his versatility and reliability as a receiver.

Bottom Line

Riley Nowakowski is not just a traditional fullback; his receiving capabilities could make him a valuable asset in Pittsburgh's offense, reflecting a shift towards utilizing fullbacks in more dynamic roles. The Steelers' strategy may hinge on how well he can adapt and showcase these skills during the upcoming training sessions.