Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is hopeful that wide receiver Markus Wheaton will improve during his second season in the NFL.

Wheaton struggled during his rookie year for the Steelers and also suffered from broken fingers during the campaign, which further hindered his progress.

However, Tomlin has insisted that the receiver can step up following the departure of Emmanuel Sanders to the Denver Broncos.

"It's tough to play wide receiver with broken fingers," Tomlin told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I look forward to him taking a significant step for us. I know that we need him to."

The 23-year-old recorded just six receptions for 64 yards in 12 games for the Steelers last season.