With Heath Miller and David Johnson on the PUP list as they come back from knee injuries, the Steelers’ tight end depth has been thin from the start of training camp. And the options at the position were winnowed further on Wednesday, when Matt Spaeth sustained an apparent foot injury, per multiple reports.
The good news for the Steelers? Second-year tight end David Paulson has made a positive impression of late, Jim Wexell of SteelCityInsider.net reported Wednesday.
Per Wexell, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has thrown seven touchdowns in the club’s last two red-zone drills, and three have gone to Paulson.
“He catches everything,” Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote told Wexell of Paulson. “Even when he’s covered, he’s still going to catch it.”
In a best-case scenario, Miller will return to something close to his best form sooner than later in 2013. But if he’s out or limited, the Steelers need another capable pass catcher to emerge at the position. Spaeth and Johnson are primarily blockers, and Paulson may well have an opportunity to contribute in the passing game if he’s up to the task.