Category: Van Jefferson

Steelers WR Van Jefferson suffers quad injury in Week 12 TNF matchup

Steelers WR Van Jefferson’s Week 12 quad injury adds to the team’s concerns over continuous struggle with receiver production.

When it rains, it pours. While the weather is actually unfavorable for the Week 12 matchup, the “pouring” refers to Steelers WR Van Jefferson’s quad injury. Aside from George Pickens, who is currently enjoying a breakout season, Pittsburgh has struggled to get consistent production out of their receivers through 11 games in 2024.

Jefferson has totaled 14 receptions on 24 targets for 139 receiving yards and one touchdown. Losing Jefferson to injury would hurt a Steelers wide receiver room already dealing with depth issues.

Pittsburgh traded for WR Mike Williams to address their recent struggles at the position, and the former New York Jets receiver may see plenty of opportunities if Jefferson misses time.

The Steelers currently trail the Browns 7-3 with two minutes remaining in the second quarter. Pittsburgh could rely on several of their other receiving threats to work in tandem with QB Russell Wilson to overcome Cleveland in this tough AFC North rivalry matchup.

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‘Hungry’ Steelers WR Van Jefferson adopts Antonio Brown routine

Wide receiver Van Jefferson has taken up a routine of Pittsburgh Steelers great Antonio Brown.

Van Jefferson doesn’t want to disappoint himself, his Pittsburgh Steelers teammates or coaches as he did during a 2023 season that wasn’t up to par with expectations.

After five games that produced just 108 yards as a member of the Los Angeles Rams, Jefferson was traded to the Atlanta Falcons, where he managed less production (101 yards) in nearly three times the games.

For Jefferson, this season is all about returning to form — perhaps more along the lines of his 2021 season when he put up a career-high 802 yards and six touchdowns, helping his team get to and win the Super Bowl.

Jefferson hopes to achieve that in Pittsburgh. Throughout training camp, the former second-round pick was peppered with questions about Brandon Aiyuk and faced media and fan scrutiny over whether he was the right man for the No. 2 wide receiver job.

One routine Jefferson has adopted to help him return to form is something he learned indirectly from former Steelers great Antonio Brown — becoming one with the Jugs machine. Brown used to catch 300 balls a day, so Jefferson has made it part of his post-practice routine in an effort to improve his pass-catching skills.

“I’m definitely hungry,” Jefferson told Mike DeFabo of “The Athletic.” “Definitely chomping at the bit to get this going.”

Jefferson has experienced the highs of winning a Super Bowl during a career year and the lows of injuries that prevented more. Now all Jefferson has to do is prove doubters wrong.

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It’s time for Steelers fans to start showing Van Jefferson love

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson has shown this preseason that he’s capable of being the Robin to George Pickens’ Batman.

What a welcome to Pittsburgh it must’ve been for Van Jefferson. He often heard the words, “The Steelers need a top-tier receiver,” as Steelers fans clamored for Brandon Aiyuk. We’re not gonna lie; that’d be really nice, but Jefferson has shown so far this preseason that he’s capable of being the Robin to George Pickens‘ Batman.

Through two games, Jefferson’s been targeted six times for four receptions, two for first downs, and logged 39 yards. He would’ve had 59 if Mike Tomlin had challenged the play called out of bounds on a deep ball pass from Fields for 20 yards.

Steelers fans were only treated to a peep of what Jefferson could do. He’s a silky-smooth, detailed route runner known as a first-down treasure trove (80 in career).

With Roman Wilson’s outlook to start the season bleak, Jefferson will be all the more critical to the success of the Steelers offense.

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