Pittsburgh Steelers anticipate Mike Wallace’s return

Speculation is always just speculation, but reports say that Mike Wallace will be reporting to Pittsburgh this weekend.

Sources say that Wallace will sign his $2.7 million restricted free agent tender after the team returns from Buffalo. The Steelers will travel to play the Bills in their third preseason game this Saturday.

If Wallace’s plans hold water then he will be eligible for the final preseason game at Heinz Field against Carolina August 30. With the games being so close together it would be unlikely for Wallace to play against the Panthers.

Pittsburgh fans are anxious to get their top receiver back in action, but they aren’t the only ones. New offensive coordinator Todd Haley will be more than excited to get Wallace in the huddle.

People close to Wallace have said he has been working out, but that doesn’t make up for missing camp. Learning a new offense is an individual process for players. Some players just get it and others don’t pick up so quickly.

With Wallace only having ever played for former coordinator Bruce Arians’ offense he is not very familiar with different languages used in the NFL.

Everyone knows Wallace’s forte is speed and Haley has said he will be excited to use that weapon. Maybe the offense can get away with Wallace learning as they go in the first few games of the year with basic route concepts from him.

If Wallace does report Sunday, that will give Pittsburgh two weeks to try to work out a deal. Typically the Steelers do not work on player contracts during the season.

Many are interested to see what kind of offer Pittsburgh will put on the table after giving WR Antonio Brown a five-year, $42.5 million extension earlier this month.