Rookie John Rhys Plumlee embraces shot to return punts, focuses on duties as No. 4 QB

While a rumor about Justin Fields returning kickoffs dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers social-media news cycle for a time this spring, when training camp opened, it wasn’t Fields back for kickoffs but a different quarterback fielding a different sort of kick.

Rookie John Rhys Plumlee has been a regular in the punt-return line throughout camp at Saint Vincent. That continued Tuesday on Chuck Noll Field, where Plumlee was among a group that included receivers Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller and Quez Watkins for coordinator Danny Smith’s special-teams unit.

“Very little experience back there,” Plumlee said after Tuesday’s practice, “but been catching a ton here. I feel really good about it.”

Undrafted, Plumlee is the “fourth arm” the Steelers (like most teams) annually bring in. They are functionally on site mostly just to facilitate drills and give older and more established quarterbacks a rest.

But Plumlee has been taking part in team drills and in 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 play significantly more than other recent low-profile Steelers rookie quarterbacks such as Chris Oladukum (2022) and Tanner Morgan (2023). That’s in large part because the first-team quarterback, Russell Wilson, has been limited with a calf injury.

“I try to make the most of whatever I get to do, whether I get to do a mental rep that I am watching behind Russell or (No. 2 QB Justin Fields) or (No. 3 Kyle Allen), or it’s a physical rep that I can try to make the most of. For me, it’s about capitalizing on every opportunity I get. So, with Russ going down, it opened up a couple more reps for me, which I am thankful for. It’s a silver lining for me, but obviously prayers for Russ. He’s getting better. Obviously super excited to see him moving around again.

“It’s really cool to learn from those guys and also to get reps out here. It’s awesome.”

Steelers Rookie #4 QB John Rhys Plumlee on it being a game week in the NFL for the first time (even if it is preseason) pic.twitter.com/thEiDdvzAR

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 6, 2024

It’s virtually assured Wilson will not play in Friday’s preseason opener at home against the Houston Texans. That opens the door for the possibility Plumlee gets some snaps at quarterback in a live NFL game for the first time.

“For it now to be a game week, it heightens everything a little bit more,” Plumlee said. “Can’t wait for all the hard work we put in, to show it off.”

Plumlee was a starter as a true freshman in the SEC at Ole Miss in 2019, but, over his next two seasons, played a utility role as a receiver, backup QB who ran gadget plays … and part-time kick/punt returner.

#Steelers A to Z: John Rhys Plumlee brings athleticism to the No. 4 quarterback spot during camphttps://t.co/xWof5Ekl5N

— Tribune-Review Sports (@TribSports) July 13, 2024

Though Plumlee transferred to UCF in 2022 to play his final college seasons at quarterback, he has the athleticism of a Division I baseball player and experience of an SEC wide receiver to supplement his passing ability in his quest to stick in the NFL.

That includes the possibility – however remote – Plumlee could excel on returns. During minicamp in June, Smith approached Plumlee about returning punts.

“He said, ‘Would love to see you catch some balls, return some stuff,’” the 6-foot, 200-pound Plumlee said. “And I said, ‘Shoot, man, whatever I can do to expand my role, to add value, that’s what I want to do.’

“So I got back there catching them, and at first it was an ugly sight. At first, I wasn’t very good at it. Had to knock the rust off. But getting better.”

Plumlee had a punt on the second day of camp bounce off his facemask. He said his background as a high-level college outfielder has helped in tracking high balls in the sun.

Friday at Acrisure Stadium, there’s a chance fans will see Plumlee throwing balls and catching them.