Steelers Release Gunner Olszewski
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be cleaning house a little bit ahead of their Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on October 20 that the Steelers are releasing veteran wide receiver Gunner Olszewski.
The Pittsburgh Steelers released 26-year-old Gunner Olszewski, who was in his second season with the team. Despite being on the active roster for only two of the first five games in 2023, Olszewski faced challenges during those appearances. He lost two fumbles—one as an offensive player in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns and another as a punt returner in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Olszewski’s release followed the team’s decision to release veteran defensive back Desmond King, who was officially released and replaced by rookie cornerback Darius Rush from the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad on October 18. Both Olszewski and King had roles as Pittsburgh’s top kickoff returners during Weeks 2-5
Steelers Release Gunner Olszewski After Very Disappointing Tenure
When the Steelers signed Gunner Olszewski to a two-year, $4.2 million deal before the 2022 season, they were expecting to get a smart former All-Pro specialist. Olszewski had an impressive record with the New England Patriots, averaging 22 yards per kick return and 12 yards per punt return during his three seasons there. In 2020, he led the NFL with 17.3 yards per punt return and earned first-team All-Pro honors.
However, his performance with the Steelers was far from stellar. Olszewski averaged only 14 yards per kick return and 7 yards per punt return. He also struggled with fumbles, having lost the ball four times in 18 games.
One of his notable fumbles occurred in a critical moment during Week 5 against the Ravens. Olszewski fumbled a punt at Pittsburgh’s 25-yard line with about 5:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, with the Steelers trailing 10-8. Fortunately, the Steelers’ defense intercepted Lamar Jackson in the end zone on the following drive, giving the offense another chance.
In a game against the Patriots last season, Olszewski’s fumbled punt gave New England a red zone opportunity, which they converted into a touchdown. The Steelers ultimately lost that game 17-14.
Olszewski’s struggles weren’t limited to special teams. He failed to make a significant impact on offense, catching only 6 passes for 53 yards on 8 targets over 18 games. Furthermore, his season was marred by a concussion sustained during his only reception in the 2023 season.
RB Anthony McFarland Set to Return as Steelers Kickoff Returner?
That concussion prevented Olszewski from dressing during Weeks 3 and 4. Without him, King took over as the Steelers kickoff returner.
But that’s a role that could go back to running back Anthony McFarland this week. McFarland returned kickoffs for the Steelers in Week 1, but he left the game with a knee injury.
He hasn’t played since then, but McFarland returned to practice on October 16 and has fully practiced ahead of Week 7.
Before exiting with his injury, McFarland was one of the bright spots for the Steelers during Week 1. He had 91 return yards on 3 returns, averaging 30.3 yards per kickoff return.
Pittsburgh has not confirmed that McFarland will definitely play in Week 7, but the release of both King and Olszewski is an indication that McFarland will be ready.
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