The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to grab a much-needed win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, although it was not a very smooth offensive performance. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers still looked shaky at times before he wound up getting injured, and it seemed as though guys were struggling a bit to get open, which often led to the quarterback seeing some pressure. The passing game has certainly taken some steps backwards over the last couple of weeks, and it is important that it gets figured out moving forward, as the Steelers have some tough games coming up on the schedule.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland.
Rodgers' status is up in the air for Pittsburgh's Week 12 matchup with the Chicago Bears, but there is a chance that he will play through his wrist injury. If that happens, he and the wide receivers need to be on the same page. There was an instance in the win over the Bengals where Rodgers targeted Roman Wilson on third and goal, and the two could not connect. Had they connected, Wilson would not have been able to score, and a field goal may have been kicked anyway. Rodgers showed visible frustration when this happened, and he was asked about that during his media availability on Wednesday.
"Yeah, Ro's a great kid, he's been playing really well the last few weeks," Rodgers said. "I'm proud of him. He's been practicing the right way, he's been growing and working on his craft. He's so d*mn fast. We talked about that route, and I was hoping he'd be a little more deliberate. But listen, Ro, and Cal [Austin], those guys are such great dudes. They want to do right by me, and by Arthur [Smith] and the offense. I got nothing but love and appreciation for those guys."
Rodgers was very complimentary towards Wilson and wide receiver Calvin Austin III, as those two usually get looped together as they are the top two receiving options behind DK Metcalf. The four-time league MVP loves the way those two players work, and he spoke with Wilson after the two failed to connect. He communicated what he expects from the young wide receiver moving forward.
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Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The play Rodgers was specifically asked about came with little time remaining in the second half, and it was actually after the quarterback had already suffered his wrist injury. It was third and goal at Cincinnati's seven-yard line, and Wilson ran some sort of speed out, but the route was cut off at the two-yard line. He had no chance of scoring, which is probably what Rodgers meant by telling the young wide receiver to be more deliberate. In those situations, whether it be for a touchdown or a first down, quarterbacks want to see most routes get to the line to gain.
The Steelers were forced to settle for a field goal on the drive, and the drive only resulting in three rather than seven didn't wind up coming back to haunt Pittsburgh.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers’ Roman Wilson showcases his impressive athleticism with a stunning acrobatic catch during an intense practice session at the 2025 training camp.
Steelers Have Seen Serious Improvement From Roman Wilson
Wilson missed essentially his entire rookie season in 2024, and he has looked really good in 2025. His production is nothing crazy, but he gets the most separation out of any of the Steelers wide receivers. On the season, he has 12 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns, although some of that production has come in garbage time. Pittsburgh has to do a better job getting Wilson involved on the offensive side of the ball. He could be the weapon the offense has been missing, he just needs a chance to get on the field and see some more targets.
What do you think about Rodgers' comments on Wilson? Let us know in the comments below!
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