PITTSBURGH – As the Pittsburgh Steelers wait for a resolution regarding their pursuit of Brandon Aiyuk, it looks like a member of their wide receiver roster will return from injury sooner rather than later.
Steelers insider Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette appeared on the Steve Jones Show on Thursday to discuss Roman Wilson’s recovery from a sprained ankle, saying he expects the rookie to play in the team’s final preseason game on Aug. 24 against the Detroit Lions until he gets back to form.
“He hurt his ankle, nothing serious, but he’ll probably be back for the last preseason game,” Dulac said. “He hasn’t had a chance to play yet.”
Wilson sustained the injury on July 30 during Pittsburgh’s first practice in protective gear as part of training camp. He twisted his ankle on an end-around play, forcing him to leave the field under his own power and eventually ride a cart back to the team’s facility for further evaluation.
Following the incident, Wilson initially wore both a boot and an ankle brace, but he has since removed both and has attended every practice since, although he has not participated.
Dulac added that the Steelers have been impressed with what they have seen from Wilson so far, comparing him to a franchise legend.
“They really like him,” Dulac said. “He’s a Hines Ward-type player. He loves contact, isn’t afraid to block and catch contested balls.”
Wilson was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the No. 84 overall pick. He spent four seasons at the University of Michigan, where he rushed for 1,707 career yards and 20 touchdowns on 107 catches and helped the Wolverines win the College Football Playoff National Championship last season.
Wilson, who stands 5’10”, is a typical slot receiver who profiles as a route-running expert with strong hands and above-average athleticism. Calvin Austin III is currently slated to take more snaps out of the slot, though Wilson should still get his fair share of playing time in a position group that currently includes George Pickens, Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins at the outside position.
Be sure to bookmark Steelers OnSI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film analysis and more.
