Despite a strong preseason performance, wide receiver Roman Wilson appears to be on the outside looking in for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive plans.
According to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the team is expected to rely on its established starters, leaving little room for the young receiver to contribute heavily.
“It just seems like they’re gonna ride with [George] Pickens and [Calvin] Austin [III],” Fittipaldo stated during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan. “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. And until there’s an injury, I just don’t see how Roman Wilson is a big factor in this offense.”
Fittipaldo acknowledged Wilson’s solid training camp but emphasized the difference between exhibition games and the regular season. “He had a nice camp and everything, but the preseason is the preseason,” he noted, suggesting that a lack of playing time or chemistry has kept Wilson on the sideline.
Wilson’s limited role is evident in his usage through the first three games. Despite the Steelers carrying only five wide receivers on the 53-man roster, he has played just 41 offensive snaps, recording one catch for seven yards on two targets.
While Wilson has seen more playing time than reserves Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek, opportunities remain scarce. The involvement of tight ends Smith and Freiermuth, along with running back Jaylen Warren in the passing game, has further squeezed the target share available for depth receivers.
Hopes were high for Wilson to make an impact this year after a difficult rookie season, where injuries limited him to just five snaps. After a slow start to training camp, he finished the preseason strong, posting 96 yards and a touchdown on four receptions.
However, that preseason momentum has not translated into regular-season production, and his path to a significant role in the offense remains unclear.
Source link
