The Pittsburgh Steelers have had to deal with a decent amount of injuries during the 2024 season, especially to the rookie class. Troy Fautanu suffered a knee injury earlier in the year that will force him to miss at least the entire regular season, Zach Frazier missed a good chunk of time with an ankle injury, and Roman Wilson has only appeared in one game and is currently on Injured Reserve. Wilson has been dealing with injuries dating all the way back to the start of training camp, but his season isn't officially over.
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Steelers WR Roman Wilson getting coached during rookie mini-camp.
Wilson originally suffered a sprained ankle during training camp which caused him to miss a considerable amount of time, and just when he began to make his way back, he popped up on the injury report again with a hamstring injury. The hamstring injury is what caused him to eventually be placed on Injured Reserve, and his only appearance in a game during his rookie season came against the Las Vegas Raiders. It seemed like Wilson's first year might be over, but the recent injury to George Pickens may make the Steelers consider opening Wilson's 21-day practice window according to Ray Fittipaldo.
The insider for the Steelers was asked about the rookie during his chat with fans on Tuesday, and he mentioned there may be a chance for Wilson to get back on the field if Pickens' injury sticks around.
"They'd have to open his 21-day window soon," Fittipaldo said. "If this Pickens injury lingers, then maybe."
Fans have been looking forward to seeing Wilson on the field, and it has been slightly frustrating to watch his injury-riddled rookie year. In the one game he appeared in against the Raiders, the Wilson was on the field for just five offensive plays and didn't see a single target. Once Wilson is healthy enough to take the field, it will certainly take some time for him to get used to the NFL level, but he has shown some promise during the practices he has been available.
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Steelers' George Pickens gets by a Bengals defensive back for a score in 2024.
Pickens popped up with a hamstring injury late in the week before the Steelers took on the Cleveland Browns in Week 14, and he was ruled out for the game shortly before kickoff. It was initially thought to be a minor injury, but it has proven to be more after the wide receiver got an MRI following the game on Sunday.
If this injury lingers, which soft-tissue injuries tend to do, then the Steelers may be forced to explore finding some more depth and talent at wide receiver. There are some options on the open market, but Wilson should also be considered an internal option. The team can decide to open up his 21-day window, which would then make him eligible to return to the active roster. The organization would have to make that decision soon as the end of the regular season is approaching quickly.
Steelers Saw Multiple Wide Receivers Step Up During Victory Over The Browns
Even if Pickens will miss an extended period of time, there is the chance that the organization is completely comfortable with the guys already on the roster. Mike Williams, Scotty Miller, and Van Jefferson all stepped up in big ways while Pickens was sidelined against Cleveland, which should give the organization some faith. Calvin Austin III has also played better than expected during the 2024 season.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Calvin Austin (19) returns a punt during a Monday Night Football game against the New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Steelers have some options to explore if Pickens' injury sticks around for a while. The receiver is doubtful to be on the field during the Steelers' Week 15 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, and he could return the following week. However it would be interesting to see Wilson get back on the field during his rookie season.
What do you think about the possibility of Wilson returning to the field? Let us know in the comments below!
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