Steelers' Markus Wheaton: Benched in season debut

Wheaton's three drops in his season debut Sunday leaves uncertainty around the Steelers' No. 2 wide receiver position, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis:

Wheaton dropped a sure-fire touchdown on the Steelers' opening drive Sunday and failed to haul in his next couple targets as well, resulting in him being benched in Pittsburgh's lopsided loss. After he was pulled, Sammie Coates, Eli Rogers, Darrius Heyward-Bey, tight end Jesse James and even reserve running back Darryl Richardson were used ahead of Wheaton at receiver, at least until Rogers exited due to a toe injury. Although the Week 4 return of running back Le'Veon Bell should give the Steelers a unique second option to Antonio Brown in the passing game, the team's need for a consistent supplementary wideout was magnified by Wheaton's struggles Sunday.