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Plaxico Burress’ Return to Pittsburgh Could Offer Steelers Relief During Quarterback Dilemma

Plax is back. Or at least it looks like he will be soon enough.

Plaxico Burress, who hasn’t played a snap in the NFL this season, is on his way to Pittsburgh and could rejoin the Steelers, his first NFL franchise, sometime this week, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The former Steelers receiver, who played in Pittsburgh from 2000-2004, will reportedly work out for the team on Tuesday.

Burress last played with the Jets in 2011, catching 45 passes for 612 yards and eight touchdowns. At 35 years old, he’s a little older and likely slower than most teams are hoping for. But at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Burress has the perfect frame for a team in need of a reliable receiver or even some red zone production.

The Steelers could just be that team. With their top two quarterbacks on the shelf for at least the near future, three running backs playing through minor injuries and a pair of wide receivers with no return date yet in sight, the Steelers could definitely use the help.

Burress has been keeping in football shape throughout the season, and obviously still has the capability of being productive, given his numbers in New York last season. He also has a good rapport with third-string quarterback Charlie Batch, who is slated to get the start in place of Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich against the Browns on Sunday.

His presence would offer a legitimate threat opposite Mike Wallace while Antonio Brown‘s ankle heals and Jerricho Cotchery, who was injured on the final drive against the Ravens, works his way back onto the field. Even when Brown and Cotchery return, Burress would be a good depth option and could definitely be a good target down near the end zone.

Burress’ NFL journey has been full of twists and turns, not the least of which was prison term and two-year absence from the game. But it’s a journey that began in Pittsburgh and one that would be enjoyable to see come full circle, if the Steelers choose to sign him this week.

Mike Tomlin is definitely desperate for offensive help right about now. And who knows, Burress could be just the remedy the Steelers need to hold things over until they’re back to full health.

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