is a Ayers TD in a Steelers victory over the ratbirds
http://www.pennlive.com/steelers/index.ssf/2016/12/steelers_ayers_plays_vs_raven.html
Steelers vs. Ravens: With Coates out of practice, Ayers is in
PITTSBURGH -- Sammie Coates' hamstring injury has ensured that Demarcus Ayers is set for his debut in the Pittsburgh Steelers' Christmas Day clash with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Ayers said.
He took Coates' reps as the "Z" receiver in Pittsburgh's offense and has his own packages in the team's game plan for the 4:30 p.m. potential AFC North decider, he said.
Ayers was signed to the practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster out of training camp and promoted to the active roster on Dec. 12.
Prior to the injury he said he had a chance to play on special teams, but Coates hurting his hamstring early in Thursday's practice sealed the rookie playing his first NFL regular season game. Coates did not practice Friday, Ayers said.
Ayers was selected in the seventh round of this year's Draft, 229th overall out of Houston, and took punt returns in addition to playing primarily in the slot during training camp.
Darrius Heyward-Bey has played the position for the Steelers. He returned to practice from a mid-foot injury this week yet only worked on special teams and scout team offense, Ayers said.
When Ayers moved outside in Thursday's practice, he said, it was the first time he played wideout since training camp. And if Antonio Brown or Eli Rogers need a rest, he can also fill in their spots, he said -- but he's able to play all the receiver positions.
On Sunday, with a playoff berth on the line, he will play at least one.
http://www.pennlive.com/steelers/index.ssf/2016/12/steelers_ayers_plays_vs_raven.html
Steelers vs. Ravens: With Coates out of practice, Ayers is in
PITTSBURGH -- Sammie Coates' hamstring injury has ensured that Demarcus Ayers is set for his debut in the Pittsburgh Steelers' Christmas Day clash with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Ayers said.
He took Coates' reps as the "Z" receiver in Pittsburgh's offense and has his own packages in the team's game plan for the 4:30 p.m. potential AFC North decider, he said.
Ayers was signed to the practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster out of training camp and promoted to the active roster on Dec. 12.
Prior to the injury he said he had a chance to play on special teams, but Coates hurting his hamstring early in Thursday's practice sealed the rookie playing his first NFL regular season game. Coates did not practice Friday, Ayers said.
Ayers was selected in the seventh round of this year's Draft, 229th overall out of Houston, and took punt returns in addition to playing primarily in the slot during training camp.
Darrius Heyward-Bey has played the position for the Steelers. He returned to practice from a mid-foot injury this week yet only worked on special teams and scout team offense, Ayers said.
When Ayers moved outside in Thursday's practice, he said, it was the first time he played wideout since training camp. And if Antonio Brown or Eli Rogers need a rest, he can also fill in their spots, he said -- but he's able to play all the receiver positions.
On Sunday, with a playoff berth on the line, he will play at least one.
