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Report: Steelers Rookie WR Emmanuel Sanders To Return Some Punts Sunday

Rookie wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders is expected to be active on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns and return punts on a situational basis according to a tweet by Jim Wexell Thursday afternoon. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin hinted that Sanders could indeed be inline for a gameday hat this weekend and at the least share duties with Antwaan Randle El. El would likely handle returns when backed up against the goal-line or any other crucial situation. It is still unclear at this point if fellow rookie wide receiver Antonio Brown will be active again this week. Brown has been active since week 2, when Sanders was ruled out with a quadriceps injury. Returning the opening kickoff against the Titans for a touchdown helped him remain active over the last several weeks as Sanders has been inactive. Sanders is perhaps the more polished route runner at this point of the two rookies and the Steelers are wanting to get him more playing time as the season progresses. Should the Steelers choose to have both Sanders and Brown active on Sunday, fellow receiver Arnaz Battle would be the likeliest receiver candidate to be inactive. Battle does play a big role on special teams, so that is not set in stone.

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