Pittsburgh Steelers’ Roman Wilson Struggles to Find Role in Offense

Preseason Hopes Fade for Roman Wilson

Despite a promising preseason, wide receiver Roman Wilson appears to be on the fringes of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive plans as the regular season progresses. Even after showcasing his talents throughout the offseason, the Steelers seem committed to their current lineup of starting skill position players.

Coach Insights Reveal Future Concerns

Ray Fittipaldo from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently shared insights on 93.7 The Fan, indicating that the Steelers are likely to stick with their established wide receivers, DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III. Fittipaldo stated, "Roman Wilson’s probably not gonna be a big part of it… they’re gonna be focused on the two starting wideouts, Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth." Notably, Wilson’s involvement may only increase in the event of an injury, which raises concerns for his potential impact this season.

Limited Opportunities on the Field

To underscore Wilson’s current standing, it’s important to note that he has only logged 41 offensive snaps over the first three games of the season. During this time, he has managed just one reception for seven yards on two targets. Although Pittsburgh holds only five receivers on its 53-man roster, Wilson’s minimal involvement highlights his challenges in establishing a foothold within the team.

A Rocky Start but Shimmering Potential

After a lackluster rookie season marred by ankle and hamstring injuries, expectations for Wilson’s second year were cautiously optimistic. Initial struggles in training camp received attention when quarterback Aaron Rodgers mentioned the need to help Wilson "get out of his head." The silver lining came in the preseason, where Wilson made notable contributions, racking up 96 yards and a touchdown on four catches.

The Road Ahead for Wilson

Despite a strong preseason, Wilson has yet to replicate that success in regular-season play. The combination of established players and a lack of targets in the passing game raises questions about when and if he will get the opportunity to shine.

---

In summary, Roman Wilson’s journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers is a testament to the unpredictability of sports. While his preseason performance sparked hope, the reality of competing for targets in a busy offense has dampened those expectations. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen if Wilson can carve out a more substantial role.