Over the past two weeks, Pittsburgh Steelers rookies have made five starts. That number could have been higher if not for season-ending injuries to right tackle Troy Fautanu and safety Ryan Watts.
One rookie, however, who has yet to see the field is third-round wide receiver Roman Wilson.
Following the Steelers’ 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5, where their wide receivers combined for just 67 receiving yards, NFL analysts are questioning whether Wilson should be given a more prominent role.
“It’s time for WR Roman Wilson to be active and involved in this offense,” KDKA TV sports director Bob Pompeani posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“Why did the Steelers draft Roman Wilson if they keep sitting him week after week?” questioned Pittsburgh sports reporter Mike Drakulich.
“No one can convince me this kid can’t contribute more than Van Jefferson,” another analyst commented.
“Are we going to see Roman Wilson at all this year?” Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger asked on his Footbahlin podcast on October 7. “We’ve been talking for weeks about needing a No. 2 receiver, and it was never more apparent than last night.”
Wilson was drafted 84th overall by the Steelers in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Unlike his fellow Day 2 picks, center Zach Frazier and linebacker Payton Wilson, who have started a combined six games, Wilson has not been active yet.
Fourth-round rookie guard Mason McCormick has also started the past two weeks.
WR Roman Wilson Closer to Playing for Steelers?
Wilson sustained an ankle injury during training camp on July 30, which kept him from making his NFL debut in the season opener on September 8. However, he returned to practice before Week 2 and has been gradually increasing his reps. Despite this, the Steelers have yet to activate him on gamedays.
Head coach Mike Tomlin explained before Week 5 that Wilson, while healthy, still isn’t game-ready.
“There are some developmental aspects, physical plays, conditioning, and learning that are part of his process that don’t reflect the overall situation,” Tomlin said, according to PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh. “Roman doesn’t have much in-helmet experience yet. He’s healthy, but he still has a lot of work to do to be ready for games.”
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette provided an optimistic update on Wilson’s progress during an interview with 93.7 The Fan on October 5. But Fittipaldo still predicted Wilson would not play against the Cowboys.
“He’s looking better out there,” Fittipaldo noted, via Steelers Depot’s Matthew Marczi. “I know there’s a time when Roman Wilson will be ready. I just don’t think it’s this week.”
Steelers’ Need for WR Production
If not for injuries at guard, McCormick would still be on the bench. The Steelers have needed the rookie to step up, and some are arguing the same case for Wilson at wide receiver.
Injuries aren’t the issue for the Steelers’ wideouts—production is. Behind George Pickens, the lack of depth at receiver was a concern before the season began, and it remains so through five weeks. Only two Steelers receivers have more than 100 yards so far.
Steelers wide receivers have also caught just one of the team’s five passing touchdowns this season.
That level of production is far below the standard in today’s pass-heavy NFL. Ready or not, Wilson’s chance to contribute might be approaching.
At Michigan, Wilson recorded 107 receptions for 1,707 yards and 20 touchdowns over 46 games, averaging at least 15 yards per catch in each of his last three seasons.
