Same Problem Returning for Steelers' Roman Wilson

PITTSBURGH -- Disappointment is the first word that comes to mind when evaluating the Pittsburgh Steelers' second preseason game against the New York Jets.

From quarterbacks to the line, every member of the Steelers offense looked out of sorts and discombobulated. Calling anyone from that contest a standout player would be disingenuous.

For young players like quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar, those struggles are expected and embraced. It's one thing to watch Eli Heidenreich make a mistake or Doneiko Slaughter take an ill-timed penalty. The big problem is when veterans who are supposed to be integral pieces of the regular season roster flash warning signs. Unfortunately for wide receiver Roman Wilson, that same problem returned against the Jets.

Wilson's Route Running Rut

The monster reared its ugly head for Wilson. Over his first two seasons, it felt like Wilson was undeservedly in former head coach Mike Tomlin's doghouse. But after watching his performance against the Jets, maybe Tomlin's frustrations were warranted.

Wilson is an excellent athlete and hard worker, but his mastery of the position leaves so much to be desired. He doesn't recognize the small nuances and differences in coverages and situations, and because of that inability, he often puts himself in poor positions to help the offense.

This is precisely what happened during Howard's first interception of the game. As the team was driving downfield, Wilson worked a route across the middle of the field, Instead of moving toward the incoming pass intended for him, Wilson drifted toward the endzone and waited for the ball to come to him.

As a result, the creeping safety was able to read the play and jump the route. Howard made a poor throw, but Wilson did his quarterback no favors in the process.

The second interception truly lies on Wilson, in my opinion. Once again working against man coverage, Wilson's speed allowed him to gain a bit of separation, but instead of keeping his route perpendicular to the sidelines, he once again drifted upfield. The same criticism against Howard's first interception can be levied against him in this instance as well, as he should have led his receiver more. Once again, however, Wilson's sloppy route-running contributed to the turnover.

Jul 30, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers Roman Wilson (14) participates in training camp drills at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Why This Is a Problem for Steelers

The Steelers enter the 2026 season with the expectation that they have more weapons for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and Wilson was a key part of that. As the third receiver on the depth chart behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., the offense is expected to take a significant leap in the coming campaign.

But if Wilson doesn't run routes with the precision Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy demand, he will quickly find himself relegated to the sidelines once more.

And that means the Steelers are again looking around for answers at the wide receiver position. Rookie Germie Bernard, the team's recent second-round draft pick, has looked like a polished professional in his first game action. That skill and confidence clashes with Rodgers' historical reliance on veteran receivers. Something has to give for the Pittsburgh offense, and Wilson could have made that decision so much easier.

As the preseason wraps up, the same issues are already emerging for Roman Wilson. It's a shame for the former third-round pick, because the talent and drive are clearly there. So too, is a flashing warning sign that McCarthy and the Steelers can't ignore.

Make sure to bookmark Steelers On SI, and find our podcast All Steelers Talk on YouTube or anywhere you listen!

Add us as a preferred source on Google