The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to claim the lead in the AFC North on Sunday as the group came out on top of the Baltimore Ravens in a very pivotal contest. Both teams were 6-6 going into the matchup, and the game was crucial when it comes down to who will be representing the division in the postseason. The Steelers played their best game in months, but Roman Wilson was not a part of it as he was made a healthy inactive before the game. This frustrated some fans, as the second-year receiver has made plays when given the chance.
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Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Wilson has had a frustrating career so far in Pittsburgh. He missed nearly his entire rookie season in 2024, and has struggled to get on the field during his second season. He has made some big plays for the franchise, but the coaching staff does not seem to fully trust the young wide receiver. News broke on Sunday morning that the receiver would be inactive, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media following the win where he was asked about what went into that decision.
"Exactly what you said, because of the veteran receivers." Tomlin said.
The coach essentially stated that Pittsburgh opted to have both Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen active rather than Wilson. Thielen was signed within the last week, and Valdes-Scantling had been on the practice squad for the last several weeks. This was the first game that Valdes-Scantling was brought up to the active roster, which may have taken away Wilson's helmet.
Karl Roser / Steelers
Steelers' Roman Wilson smiles while he walks on the field during an away game.
Both Valdes-Scantling and Thielen were on the field a decent amount in the win over the Ravens. Each veteran wide receiver was targeted just once in the game, with the only reception from the duo going to Thielen, which resulted in a four-yard gain. The two veterans provide a different presence on the offense, and their experience typically leads to some sort of leadership that can help that side of the ball.
It is beneficial to have the two veterans available to play, but the way the organization has handled Wilson throughout his career isn't ideal. The young wide receiver has shown flashes of being a good player and is usually one of the only weapons on the offense that can create separation for himself.
His play was improving as the year went along, but it seems like the franchise has no desire to see him succeed. Pittsburgh invested a third-round pick in Wilson, but the coaching staff has shown no efforts to get the young player involved offensively.
Wilson will hopefully be able to find a spot back on the field in the near future. He needs to continue to develop throughout the 2025 season and gain experience, but it will be hard for him to do that if the coaching staff does not give him a chance to.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Roman Wilson makes an impressive run after the catch during a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2025 season.
Steelers' Roman Wilson Has Been Productive In Limited Opportunities
There are a couple obstacles in Wilson's way when it comes to getting on the field for Pittsburgh. One is the fact that running the football is the primary focus for the offense, which means the Steelers are deploying heavier sets with less wide receivers on the field.
Another factor in Wilson getting on the field is developing a relationship with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers expects a lot of his wide receivers, and he needs to be able to trust the person he is throwing the ball to. It doesn't seem like he has gotten to that point with Wilson quite yet. Despite a lack of opportunities, Wilson has done a lot when he has been on the field. He has caught 12 passes for over 160 yards and two touchdowns on the year, and he is by far Pittsburgh best route runner.
What do you think it will take for Wilson to see the field? Let us know in the comments below!
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