The Pittsburgh Steelers could be without third-round wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) when football kicks off Week 1 — and potentially longer — according to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette beat reporter Ray Fittipaldo.
The Steelers media member provided the worrisome injury update during a spot with 93.7 The Fan’s Morning Show on August 21.
“I don’t think he is going to play [during the preseason finale],” Fittipaldo began. “He did not practice yesterday [on August 20]. So, that’s not good for Roman Wilson.”
“This situation certainly bears watching,” the reporter went on. “Obviously, he’s a third-round pick. They’re going to carry him on the 53-man roster but if you’re a rookie and you don’t play any preseason games, depending on what else goes on with this roster, I think he’s a candidate to start on [the injured reserve].”
To be clear, Fittipaldo is referring to the short-term IR, which can be utilized for up to two players prior to the roster cutdown in 2024.
“So, that’s something to keep an eye on next week,” Fittipaldo concluded on Wilson. “Now, if he returns to practice later this week and next week, then we’ll see. But not looking good for Roman Wilson right now.”
Placement on the short-term injured reserve would sideline Wilson for the first four weeks of the season, minimum. He would be eligible to return and make his NFL debut in Week 5 versus the Dallas Cowboys if Fittipaldo’s injury concerns prove valid.
Steelers WR Roman Wilson Says He Won’t Play in Preseason Finale but Adds, ‘I’ll Be Back Soon’
Members of the Steelers beat also caught up with Wilson at his locker on August 21.
Per Fittipaldo, the first-year pass-catcher “acknowledged that he won’t play” on August 24. Meaning he will miss his first preseason in its entirety.
Having said that, Wilson did have a smile on his face and seemed upbeat about his recovery timeline. Pat McAfee Show Steelers correspondent Mark Kaboly shared video of the exchange.
