Steelers tight end Weslye Saunders is back after serving a four-game suspension. He hopes his role will be similar to that of fellow TE Heath Miller, but he's been given no indication yet. (US Pressire)

Tight end Weslye Saunders watched the Steelers on TV. What else could he do?

On a four-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance since the regular season opened, Saunders han't been allowed at the Steelers' facility or having contact with team officials.

But what Saunders saw on TV, he liked. The veteran ahead of him on the depth chart, TE Heath Miller, has had quite a start. Miller is the only tight end in the league averaging a touchdown per game (four in four games).

"Watching these first four games and seeing the productivity that Heath is putting out there, it's pretty exciting, especially for a guy like me. I believe I can make plays in the passing game and the run game," Saunders said. "To see Heath go out there and do it consistently gives me a good feeling on the inside."

Miller leads the Steelers in touchdowns and his 19 catches are tied for second on the team with WR Mike Wallace. His 179 yards rank third.

It's only a quarter of the way through the season, but Miller is on pace to set career-highs in all but receiving yardage. In the first season under new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, increased use of the tight ends in the passing game could become a trend.

"I certainly hope so," Saunders said. "It seems that way. Just going off of Heath's performance so far, it seems that way."

Saunders has the ability to be a force as a pass-catcher, and he also is viewed as an adequate blocker. He does not have to be added to the roster until Friday.

The Steelers have given no public indication who will come off the roster to make room for Saunders, or even if Saunders will play Thursday against Tennessee. Saunders said
the organization has told him nothing. It's possible veteran TE Leonard Pope will be released to make room. Perhaps TE David Paulson will be removed from the 53-man and placed on the practice squad, but that seems unlikely.

Saunders may or may not become a prominent receiving weapon for the Steelers this season. One thing he assuredly won't do is put anything in his body that isn't thoroughly vetted first.

"I don't take any supplements. I don't even take Advil," he said. "I don't take anything. If you actually look at the list of the things ... excess amounts of caffeine, stuff that you're really not sure. And if you're not sure, don't do it. So I don't take anything."

"I had only taken it one time last year, so out of the maybe 10 or so drug tests last year I only tested positive once. I knew then not to take it; I know now not to take it anymore. It was a mistake that happened, and I'm ready to move on."

Follow Steelers reporter Chris Adamski on Twitter @CBSSteelers and @BuzzsawPGH.