Ben Skowronek Poised to Play More Offensive Snaps Under 2026 Steelers HC

2026 marks the beginning of the Mike McCarthy era in Steelers football. The team hired the Pittsburgh native after Mike Tomlin stepped down in January. McCarthy has been placing a major emphasis on versatility. There’s one player on offense that’s very versatile but doesn’t get much mainstream media recognition: wide receiver and special teams ace Ben Skowronek.

McCarthy gave Skowronek a strong endorsement when he spoke with the media on Wednesday. He said, “I think Ben, he’s a bigger man, and his flexibility and how you can utilize him definitely is something that stands out for afar. I remember watching him with the Rams; I love his style of play. Obviously, I think people look at him, may look at him as a special teams player slash offense. I don’t like to view players that way.”

Skowronek joined the Steelers in 2024. He’s primarily been a special teams player for Pittsburgh. According to Steelers Depot, Skowronek logged 459 special teams snaps and only 260 offensive snaps throughout his two seasons with the team. During the 2025 season, he played 159 offensive snaps. The Notre Dame alumnus was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2025 for his special teams contributions.

Due to the current depth of the Steelers wide receiver room, many people may feel that Skowronek should focus on special teams snaps. McCarthy has a different view. He explained, “Ben does the dirty work. He does the insert schemes. If you wanna be a two-back offense, which we will do some of that, but also he gives you the ability to be a one-back personnel but play the two-back scheme; So, he has a really unique skill set there, and he’s done a nice job in the pass game, too.” The Pittsburgh native remarked, “Ben gives us a lot of versatility.”

Skowronek and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers have developed a chemistry both on and off the field. Brian Batko discussed their bond on Steelers Nation Radio in May. He observed, “Aaron Rodgers loves him and trusts him to be where he’s supposed to be. Aaron Rodgers’ first touchdown pass as a Steeler was to Ben Skowronek, at the Jets, Week One last season.”

Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex also recognizes Skowronek’s reliability as an offensive player. In June, he shared his thoughts. He said, “Whenever he had an opportunity to play wide receiver, whenever he was lined up in there, good things happened. He knows how to affect plays. He’s a great blocker. I’m making my case for Ben Skowronek because I know nobody else is really out there doing it when we draft two other wide receivers.”

Skowronek’s performance in the 2026 preseason proved that he has what it takes to take on a larger offensive role. He’s been a reliable target for Steelers quarterbacks. The 29-year-old was effective at converting third downs in their preseason games against the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets. He also had an impressive catch, thrown by Will Howard, on fourth-and-one during the two-minute drill in the first half of the Steelers’ first preseason game.

Steelers Depot’s Josh Carney noted, “Based on McCarthy’s history as a play caller in Green Bay and Dallas, unheralded wide receivers often wind up being key playmakers in his offenses. Rodgers historically has turned to lesser-known receivers and helped develop them into key weapons, too.” 2026 could be the year for the 29-year-old to solidify his role as a key offensive player for the Steelers. With McCarthy as head coach and Rodgers at quarterback, Skowronek is poised to play more offensive snaps.