The Pittsburgh Steelers competed in their second preseason game of 2025 on Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fans were especially tuned in to watch some of the younger players on the team in an attempt to see how those guys could contribute when the regular season rolls around. Running back Kaleb Johnson was at the top of that list for some, but Roman Wilson is probably the most important player that needs to take a step forward. After missing nearly his entire rookie season in 2024, the young wide receiver has put on a good performance in the preseason and showed he is ready to make an impact.
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Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Wilson played the entire first half in the game against Tampa Bay, and he made his presence felt early. He caught a 42-yard pass from Mason Rudolph to set up a touchdown drive for Pittsburgh, and he came out of the game after recording two receptions for 72 yards.
He showed that he has the ability to create some chunk plays for the offense, and hopefully it is something he can continue to do in the regular season. Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke to Missi Matthews after halftime, and he was asked about whether or not it was a critical point to get the young wideout involved.
"It's been an agenda of ours and it's really been an agenda the last couple of weeks." Tomlin said. "There's big time growth there, but we need it, and he needs it."
A game like this should give Wilson some confidence, despite it being a preseason contest. He didn't get enough game experience during his rookie year as he missed the entire preseason with an ankle injury, and he then went through many soft tissue injuries, which effectively ended his season. A game like what happened on Saturday gives the young wide receiver some exposure to what playing in an NFL game is really like, which is important for development.
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Steelers' Roman Wilson smiles while he walks on the field before an away game against the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024.
The wide receiver situation for the Steelers has been a little murky throughout the preseason. DK Metcalf being the top wide receiver is the only thing that is truly known. Calvin Austin III was assumed to be the second wide receiver going into training camp, but he suffered an injury early on and has been out for weeks.
Fans and the coaching staff were hoping that Wilson could take that step forward and be relied upon as a second or third option, which seems to be the case after his performance Saturday.
Austin is likely still the second wide receiver on the roster, but the duration of his injury hasn't been specified. It is unclear how much more time he will miss, or if he will even be ready to play by the time the regular season opener comes in early September. Wilson seems willing and capable to step up if necessary, which should give fans some optimism for the passing game.
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Steelers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks at his play sheet during a rest day at training camp in Latrobe, PA ahead of the 2025 season.
Steelers' Roman Wilson Needs To Build Chemistry With Aaron Rodgers
Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers is very meticulous with his wide receivers, and it is important that there is reliable chemistry between him and his offensive weapons. He spoke about Wilson during training camp, and he had nothing but good things to say about the receiver. However, he also said he is working on growing their chemistry and he is trying to get Wilson out of his own head.
The two have plenty of time to figure things out before the regular season begins, but it is something to be urgent about. Week 1 will showcase how the two can play together, which will determine how good the offense in Pittsburgh can truly be.
What did you think about Wilson's performance against Tampa Bay? Let us know in the comments below!
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