"Multiple Explosive Plays": Steelers' Mike McCarthy Detailed How Roman Wilson Is Developing Into A Duel Threat

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expecting massive improvements from their wide receiver room in 2026. In the previous season, they relied heavily on two aging midseason acquisitions to get through the rest of the year with some level of comfort for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. That can't happen again, and with an offensive-minded coach, hopes are that this will never be a consideration. If it gets to that point, especially due to underwhelming performances, then this "Last Dance" will be over early, and it won't have as much of a happy ending as everyone hopes. 

The biggest factor in this is not the well-paid veterans leading the charge or the incoming rookies looking to make themselves known. It's former third-round pick Roman Wilson, who was benched at the end of the 2025 season due to not being on the same page as Rodgers. The two had a rough start to camp, but there has been a definite effort to get on the same page for the last few weeks. 

It seems like progress has been made so far. During his post-training camp press conference, Head Coach Mike McCarthy gave his take on where Wilson is at this point in his career, as explained by Nick Farabaugh.

"Mike McCarthy thinks Roman Wilson has not only done a good job in the slot, but has showcased he can play on the outside," Farabaugh said. "McCarthy noted multiple explosive plays Wilson has produced from the outside during the spring and summer as reason to believe he can do both."

Wilson has been getting a lot of chances at every wide receiver position lately due to injuries suffered by DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. For the last week or so, the former third-round pick has been the WR1 while those two heal up and make sure that they're ready for the 2026 season. That has given him all the time he could possibly ask for to work with Rodgers and get on the same page. 

Everyone knew that Wilson had all this explosive ability at receiver, but it just has not been seen on the game tape yet. He appeared to be the Steelers' best receiver when it came to getting separation, but it didn't matter with Rodgers not looking his way for large parts of the season. He just needs to put it all together, and signs look promising on that front. This sudden surge does come with caution, however.

Steelers Won't Know If Wilson Is Ready Until Regular Season Begins

Wilson had a great preseason in 2025 as well, and he seemed to be on the same page as Rodgers after one disastrous practice. That clearly was not the case, as shown by his lack of production and eventually becoming a weekly healthy scratch on Sundays. Because of this, he has developed the reputation of being a practice star that falters any time the lights come on. That just can't happen again. 

With the Steelers being tight-lipped about injuries, it's unclear whether Metcalf and/or Pittman will be ready to take a full workload in Week 1. Wilson is expected to be a starter either way, but he may have to be the focal point of the passing game if worse comes to worst. The lights will be very bright on him whether he's the WR1 or WR3, and he has to produce when it matters most.

This is a make-or-break year for Wilson. If he's nothing more than a practice star that gets the occasional garbage time touchdown, he could end up looking for a new team to sign with in 2027. The talent is there; the drive is there; the physical ability is there. He needs to just put everything together once and for all. He has what it takes to thrive; he just needs to prove it.

What do you think about McCarthy praising Wilson's versatility? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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