Steelers’ Roman Wilson Called On To Step Up After Calvin Austin III’s Devastating Injury: “Give Him The First Shot”

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense has had a very interesting start to the 2025 NFL season. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked like the former MVP version of himself in Week 1 against the New York Jets, but the future Hall of Famer has struggled finding that same efficiency since the season opener. Fourth-year wide receiver Calvin Austin lll has been a huge part of Rodgers' early success, but he suffered an injury to his shoulder in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland. The promising receiver could miss multiple games in the near future.

Austin's injury is a brutal blow to Pittsburgh's offense. The talented receiver was Rodgers' secondary option at wideout behind DK Metcalf, as Austin has made a number of massive plays throughout the first four weeks of the season. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly took a moment to comment on Austin's injury, as Kaboly was able to share his opinion regarding who he believes will need to step up with Austin's absence. 

Kaboly believes Roman Wilson will now have a larger role with Austin no longer on the field, as the promising receiver could finally get a true opportunity to produce at a higher level.

"I think he has to be the guy," Kaboly stated. "They are still high on him. I mean, they talk him up like he is the second coming of Jerry Rice. He does have the talent right now, he just needs to have the opportunity, and he hasn't had the opportunity."

Kaboly continued to speak about potential trade scenarios that could send a playmaker to Pittsburgh, but the insider believes that the team will give Wilson a legitimate opportunity first.

"It's too early in the season to go looking for a trade," suggested Kaboly. "I would guess it's going to be a lot of Roman Wilson. Give him the first shot."

Wilson was the Steelers' third-round pick in 2024. The talented playmaker was a star at Michigan and played a crucial role in the program's 2023 National Championship run. Wilson has struggled to begin the season, but the young player could quickly turn things around as he is now in prime position for a much larger workload.

Metcalf could quickly find himself taking on a larger workload as well. He was acquired in an offseason deal with the Seattle Seahawks as the superstar receiver was nothing short of elite in Sunday's win against the Vikings. Metcalf could have an increase in targets in similar fashion to Wilson, as the superstar playmaker may need to play at an even higher level with Austin potentially out of the picture for the next few weeks.

Steelers' Jonnu Smith And Pat Freiermuth Could Have Increased Roles Following Austin's Injury

Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth will need to step up while Austin is out in addition to Wilson and Metcalf. Smith is an elite tight end that was acquired in a deal with the Miami Dolphins as he absolutely thrived during his time in Miami. The veteran was credited with a career year last season, and he could quickly find himself playing at an elite level once again with Austin potentially missing a significant amount of time.

Freiermuth has not been targeted by Rodgers on a consistent basis this season. He is an extremely talented player that could thrive if he received more targets, but the star tight end now has a perfect opportunity to turn things around and his volume could quickly begin to increase. 

Kaboly's comments surrounding Wilson's increase in playing time are expected. Wilson has yet to get a true opportunity to make an impact, as the injury to Austin now provides Wilson with a real chance to excel as a playmaker behind Metcalf. The Steelers will face the Cleveland Browns in Week 6 as the team as a whole will look to relax and recover throughout the bye week in Week 5.

#SteelerNation