The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted wide receiver Roman Wilson in the third-round of the 2024 NFL Draft to provide an immediate boost to their receiving corps. However, a sprained ankle during training camp sidelined him for the entire preseason, setting back his integration into the offense. As Week 8 approaches, the Steelers find themselves at 5-2, yet Wilson remains a healthy scratch, raising questions about his role on the team.
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Steelers' Roman Wilson getting coached up during rookie mini-camp.
Wilson made his long-awaited debut in Week 6, but surprisingly found himself on the sidelines again in Week 7, which has left many puzzled about his lack of involvment. It’s been strange not to see him get more opportunities to contribute, especially given the team's need for additional receiving talent. While the Steelers seem to be in no rush to push Wilson into action, they could undoubtedly benefit from his skills as they aim to solidify their offense for a playoff push.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly shares the confusion felt by many fans and analysts alike. Joining 93.7 The Fan, Kaboly expressed his shock at Wilson's limited chances, highlighting that the Steelers could use a player of his caliber on the field. With the season progressing and the competition intensifying, the question remains: what is going on with Wilson?
"Roman Wilson, every time I see him in practice, he looks fabulous," Kaboly said. "I mean, I don't know what's happening behind closed doors. I don't know if it's not in the book, the playbook. I don't know if he's limited in what he can run route-wise, but obviously [there's] something that he is not doing correctly."
Many expected Wilson to be a key contributor to the wide receiving corps right from his rookie season. George Pickens, a second-round pick in 2022, made a significant impact during his first year, leading many fans to assume Wilson would have a similar opportunity. However, his injury seemed to set him back big time in the eyes of Mike Tomlin and the coaching staff.
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Steelers' Roman Wilson looks on before a game.
Kaboly has observed Wilson in practice, watching him run routes. From what he has seen, Kaboly believes Wilson has demonstrated the ability and talent worthy of a starting role.
"Watching him on the field, he looks like he's one of the top three receivers out there every time I see him," Kaboly said. "Physically, and out on the field, he looks good to me. He looks better than Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Calvin Austin in my eyes."
The Steelers’ offense has shown noticeable improvement compared to the lackluster performance of the 2023 season, but that’s not saying much. Under the guidance of Arthur Smith, this offensive unit has done a commendable job, although expectations were low to begin with. Now, it’s time to further elevate the passing game. With Russell Wilson back at quarterback, the aerial attack has looked impressive, and adding Roman to the mix could provide a significant boost.
Steelers' Coaching Staff Seeking Greater Consistency From WR Group
Roman's status for the Week 8 Monday Night Football matchup against the New York Giants will be intriguing to monitor. While Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III have held their own, the coaching staff is likely seeking greater consistency from that group. The game against the New York Jets represented a positive step forward, and fans are hopeful the offense can build on that momentum.
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Steelers' Roman Wilson catches footballs during camp.
The situation surrounding Roman is certainly interesting, but the coaching staff knows best. Tomlin seemed somewhat irritated when he mentioned that he has moved on from Roman for now. It’s unusual to hear Tomlin speak about a player in that manner, but it likely reflects his typical strategy of keeping things close to the vest. Meanwhile, Roman will continue to work hard, aiming to seize his opportunity during his rookie season.
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