Steelers DB Steven Nelson's Injury Gives Artie Burns Key Opportunity
By Chris Pyo
Former first-round pick Artie Burns has been a bust so far for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The cornerback was supposed to provide much-needed depth at the position for the foreseeable future, but instead he's been an utter liability for them.
Now, however, with an injury to stud defensive back Steven Nelson, Burns will find himself lining up against Phillip Rivers and the Los Angeles Chargers with the opportunity to prove himself to his team.
Burns was touted as one of the top cornerbacks available in the 2016 NFL Draft, but his performances on the field were so underwhelming that the Steelers opted to bench him for the final ten games of the season last year.
The Steelers' lack of trust in Burns was also put on full display by the fact that they declined the fifth-year option on Burns' rookie contract, making him a free agent this upcoming offseason.
If Burns can pull everything together and have a good showing for the Steelers in the midst of Nelson's absence, he might find himself getting paid handsomely this offseason. However, it'll be completely up to him to rise to the occasion, and against the likes of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, he might get roasted.