Will Steelers Play Roman Wilson Again This Season?

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers made second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson inactive for their Week 14 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers rode with a position group of DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek.

The Steelers' decision to scratch Wilson came as a shock. Postgame, head coach Mike Tomlin explained that Miller received the nod over Wilson because of his abilities as a backup punt returner.

Does that explanation feel satisfying to anyone? Of course not. What Tomlin did indirectly, however, was hand down a scathing indictment of where Wilson stands in the Steelers organization. Don't expect the second-year pass-catcher to suit up for any more games this season as the team will ride the receiving core that won them the game in Week 14.

End of the Line

It's the end of the line for Roman Wilson's 2025 season. There were several moments of hope for him, but the time for optimism is done. Don't waste your time holding out hope that Wilson will emerge as a threat down field.

He's not even a threat to be one of the 53 players active for the rest of the season.

Football player celebrates touchdown — Oct 16, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) celebrates and gestures toward the crowd against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Don't Blame Wilson

Despite falling down the depth chart, this is not representative of Wilson's talents or performance when on the field.

Just go look at the All-22 footage from any game he's been in. He's able to create separation from the defender. They've given him routes that have taken him all over the field, and he's consistently made himself open.

The problem is that he's simply not a primary target. In offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's offensive scheme, there are primary receivers on every passing play. The quarterback is looking to go to him first, and then moves through his progressions to other receivers.

Wilson is most often, the final progression for the quarterback. By that time, the play has either broken down or the QB has gone to a check down like a running back or tight end.

Confidence in Steelers' Passing Game?

While Wilson tries to earn his way back onto the active roster, the Steelers have growing confidence in their passing game and options without him. In their win over the Ravens, quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed a pass to 10 different players. DK Metcalf and Kenny Gainwell were the two most targeted players, continuing the trend as the top passing options in Pittsburgh.

Now, Rodgers, Arthur Smith and the entire Steelers' coaching staff have a stronger belief in the secondary options behind Metcalf and Gainwell. With Thielen, Austin III and MVS as the next passing threats, the Steelers might have taken that needed step forward on offense.

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