WR Jerricho Cotchery returns to Pittsburgh Steelers to compete with Emmanuel Sanders-NFL News
Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver, Jerricho Cotchery, is aiming for a prominent role in the offence in absence of former wide receiver, Hines Ward, who has called it quits from the game after being released by the team, recently.
Steelers confirmed on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 to have re-signed Cotchery off the free agency on a fresh two-year deal. Other terms including value of the contract have not been made public by any side.
Steelers, who have been without any activity on the free agency for about a month, have signed two players in two days. Cotchery’s re-signing comes a day after Steelers added tight end, Leonard Pope, to the squad.
Cotchery has had chances of playing for the side in the later part of the 2011 National Football League (NFL) season when Ward was put through initial stage of the phasing out process by the managers.
Ward had lost his form quite considerably and the management dropped him in the concluding few games of the past season. He also had a couple of injury scares, which affected his health and fitness to a notable extent.
His absence provided Cotchery with an opportunity and he seemed to have well capitalised on it. Cotchery was able to hold 15 catches for total 227 yards. In addition, he also had two touchdowns to his record.
With Ward gone, Cotchery is going to be competing with Emmanuel Sanders for the number three position. However, since Sanders has been inconsistent with his health and fitness, Cotchery is expected to get more opportunities in the leading role.
Some commentators have backed Cotchery for his second coming to Steelers. They believe that the re-signing of the player has presented him with an opportunity as well as a challenge. The field is quite open in front of him, but his success will depend on
his performance, they said.
Although Cotchery, during his previous appearance at Ward’s position, has proved himself of having a great potential, this year it will be a different and more challenging environment.
He must be well aware of the competition from Sanders, who apart from some recent health issues, is well capable of putting up a strong show.
Since the management has not disclosed any information about the latest injury status of the player, it is difficult to assert to what extent he is going to be affected next season.
Steelers’ coach, Mike Tomlin, has expressed doubts if Sanders will be able to remain hundred percent in his health and fitness throughout next season.
Nothing much is said about the player’s present health status by Sanders’ agent, teammate or even his family members. In any case, his absence will definitely provide Cotchery with more opportunities.
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