In Friday’s “First Call,” are the Pittsburgh Steelers really planning to have Justin Fields return kicks? The pickings are getting slim at wide receiver if general manager Omar Khan is planning to make a move. A former Pitt Panther is getting a look from the Steelers.

And No. 66 is back in Black and Gold.

Sort of.

Pool drying up?

It looks like the talent pool is thinning out when it comes to available veteran wide receivers. That’s not great news for the Steelers, as they are in significant need of help at the position.

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch went on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday and reiterated plans that his franchise is moving forward with Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel at wide receiver, even though they drafted two wideouts (Florida’s Ricky Pearsall and Arizona’s Jacob Cowling) in the first four rounds.

“I’m doing everything in my power to keep our roster together,” Lynch said. “I’ve got so much belief when you talk about guys like Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo, they’re guys we drafted, they’re guys we take a lot of pride in what they’ve become, who they’ve become. … During the course of drafts and offseasons, do conversations happen? Absolutely, they do. We’re past that now, and we’re thrilled to add to that group.”

"I love our roster & I love the way it's comprised..

I'm doing everything in my power to keep our roster together & that's my goal..

Deebo & Aiuyk are guys that we drafted & we couldn't be more proud of these guys"@JohnLynch49ers #PMSLive #FTTB pic.twitter.com/cFneUDrPU8

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 2, 2024

Hmmm. “Past that?” That was interesting phrasing.

If Lynch is saying they are done talking about any potential trades for those guys, so be it. But for months, he had gone out of his way to tamp down the notion that any potential deal had even been entertained or offered to the 49ers for those players.

But if they are indeed off the market, and the Broncos are not interested in moving Courtland Sutton, and the Bengals surely won’t move Tee Higgins in the division, and Tyler Boyd wants more money elsewhere, most good receiving options seem to be falling by the wayside for the Steelers.

To that point, on Thursday, another potential target, Carolina’s D.J. Chark, signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. Plus, according to ESPN.com, Darius Slayton made it sound as if things are likely to work out with him and the Giants, so he is probably going to stay in New York.

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Who is kidding who?

Either Jaylen Warren is goofing with Steelers fans or special teams coach Danny Smith is goofing with Warren.

It sounds like the latter, but if they are both serious, then Warren just gave us all some interesting news.

Appearing on a draft special of Cam Heyward’s podcast “Not Just Football,” when asked about the prospect of returning kickoffs under the new rules, Warren said he would like to try. But then he said that Smith claims he wants to give Fields a shot at the position.

“I would. I think it’s pretty cool,” Warren said. “As soon as you touch the ball, that’s when everything starts to happen. But our special teams coordinator was talking about Justin Fields being back there. We looked at him like, ‘Justin Fields will be back there??!!’ I think it’s cool.”

Warren went on to say how Fields might be the fastest player on the roster. Seeing as how the Steelers immediately snapped up Cordarrelle Patterson to be a return specialist the moment the new rules went into effect, I can’t imagine who else would have the primary return responsibilities, though.

As far as the second player back with Patterson, I’d still prefer to see someone besides the second quarterback risking injury on kick returns.

Across the parking lot

Based on his social media activity, former Pitt Panther Marquis Williams is confirming multiple reports that he is joining the Steelers at their rookie minicamp next week.

As a sixth-year undrafted player, Williams joined Pitt in 2018. He is 5-foot-9, 180 pounds with six career interceptions, 109 tackles, and two touchdowns on his resume at Pitt.

Williams’ uncle is former Steelers player Tyrone Carter. He will be one of a handful of slot corners getting a look at the camp, including Joey Porter Jr.’s cousin Shon Stephens of Ferris State and veteran invite Anthony Averett.

Sixth-round defensive back Ryan Watts is a bigger body who may get some looks inside, and undrafted rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop of West Virginia is also a candidate.

Route 66

Credit Shane Lemieux for his commitment to the bit.

While at the University of Oregon, the offensive lineman wore No. 68. But since he has gotten into the NFL, the offensive guard has worn No. 66 with the New York Giants, much like his far more famous NHL namesake, former Penguins great Mario Lemieux.

Now, having joined the New Orleans Saints, Lemieux will continue the obvious connection.

New Orleans Saints OL Shane Lemieux is wearing number 66. Last assigned to Colby Gossett. #Saints pic.twitter.com/mNLZmcS2Yq

— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 2, 2024

“Lemieux 66” always looks better in Black and Gold.

Sure, it’s a different shade of Black and Gold … but it’s better nonetheless.

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