The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted wide receiver Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. As a rookie, there were heavy hopes that Wilson could come in and contribute right away, especially with the team looking for help in the passing game. Early in the offseason, though, Wilson suffered an ankle injury that immediately slowed his progress and limited his ability to compete during key practice reps.
Initially, the injury was labeled as week to week, which made it seem like a short-term issue. But as the weeks went on and Wilson remained absent from the field, fans started to worry. The lack of updates and visible progress led to confusion about what was really holding him back and whether his role in the offense would be delayed heading into the season.
On Wednesday, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly gave fans some clarity with a promising update posted on his social media. He reported that Wilson is now ramping up his activity in practice and showing signs of real progress. According to Kaboly, the team has been cautious with his recovery but fully expects him to be ready to contribute in 2025. That news is a big step forward for both Wilson and a Steelers offense still searching for answers at wide receiver.
"Steelers WR Roman Wilson looks like a chiseled freak this year after missing most of all last year," Kaboly said. "He is always one of the last ones off the field after practice, so the desire is there. I liked how he looked last year when he was trying to return from injury, and he looks better now."
Wilson missed most of his rookie season in 2024, a frustrating setback for both the young wide receiver and the Steelers. After drafting him in the third round, the team had high expectations for his ability to contribute right away.
Steelers' Roman Wilson works out in Pittsburgh during voluntary offseason training in 2025.
However, with injuries keeping him off the field, his development was delayed at a time when the Steelers were looking for immediate help in the passing game.
"Something didn't compute with him being able to get back last year, but that seems like it is in the distance now," Kaboly said. "He needs to go into camp ON that moving train, and I think he will be just fine. Legit WR2? Possible."
Now, with the Steelers trading away star wide receiver George Pickens, the urgency around Wilson's growth has increased. The team is counting on him to not just improve but to step into a much larger role. It is critical that Wilson proves he can be a dependable wide receiver two and provide consistent production alongside new star wide receiver DK Metcalf.
Kaboly believes that possibility is becoming more realistic. After watching Wilson closely during Organized Team Activities, Kaboly said he has seen real progress and signs that Wilson is ready to take on a bigger role. If that momentum carries into training camp, Wilson could become one of the most important pieces of the Steelers' offense in 2025.
Steelers' Roman Wilson Has Been Staying After Practice For Extra Work
One encouraging development for the Steelers and Wilson is the extra work he has been putting in after practice. While regular practice sessions are typically enough for most professional athletes, Wilson has been staying late to make up for lost time. He explained that missing most of his rookie season in 2024 left him feeling behind, and he now sees every extra rep as essential to catching up and proving himself.
Wilson openly admitted that he has ground to cover, but his dedication is already starting to show. Coaches and teammates have taken notice of his work ethic, and fans are beginning to get excited about what this could mean for the upcoming season. His commitment to improvement suggests that he is not just physically recovered, but mentally locked in on taking the next step.
Although Wilson is entering his second year, many Steelers fans view him as a rookie all over again. The missed time in 2024 left plenty of mystery around his true potential, but now there is renewed optimism that his year of recovery, film study, and late-practice grind could finally pay off. The 2025 season may be his true introduction to Steeler Nation.
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