In the first 39 games of Markus Wheaton’s NFL career, he scored three touchdowns. Late last season, he was on pace for one touchdown per season, a below-average output for a former third-round draft choice who was hoping to become Antonio Brown’s top sidekick.
Then, Wheaton eclipsed that total with a torrid finish to the 2015 season, scoring four touchdowns over the final six games. In a Week 11 game in Seattle, Wheaton had nine receptions for a career-high 201 yards.
The Steelers are hoping Wheaton has more such performances this season in light of Martavis Bryant’s year-long drug suspension.