After giving everything except playing his primary position of quarterback on Friday night against the Houston Texans, undrafted rookie free agent John Rhys Plumlee is now beginning to take full advantage of his versatility.
After a day off on Saturday, Plumlee and the Pittsburgh Steelers returned to practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe on Sunday. In this return to the practice field, Plumlee tried out a new position, working on the wide receiver line and getting a few snaps at the position in 11-on-11 team sessions.
Plumlee made some plays as a receiver during the team meeting, and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about Plumlee’s use as a receiver after practice on Sunday.
“He just found his place today. He’s a versatile, athletic guy,” Tomlin said, according to a video on Steelers.com. “I think you saw him return some of his special teams kicks. He had a tackle on the punt. He’s just a really versatile and interesting athlete.”
“Today the lines at the receiver were a bit short and so he had to work a bit.”
Taking the opportunity to show he can do many things is huge for Plumlee. Although the Steelers signed him as an undrafted free agent to play quarterback, which led to Plumlee ultimately choosing the Steelers because of the QB opportunity, his versatility is really coming into play now.
He showed that on Friday night against the Texans, returning two kickoffs in the fourth quarter and making a tackle in punt coverage. Now he’s working as a receiver, a position he played at Ole Miss after struggling as a quarterback in the SEC.
Plumlee spent one season as a receiver at Ole Miss, catching 19 passes for 201 yards. While that wasn’t a great performance as a receiver, he showed he could at least handle that type of role, relying on his overall athleticism.
While getting work as a receiver may not mean anything for Plumlee on Sunday, it’s certainly an opportunity for him to make a name for himself. The more he can do, the more attractive he is for a spot on the 53-man roster, as he can wear multiple hats, do multiple things and really bring that athletic, versatile chess piece to the roster.
He’s off to a good start, and working as a receiver is another step forward for Plumlee, who has clearly intrigued the Steelers coaching staff so far this summer.
