Steelers' unproven star takes first big step in preseason debut

The Pittsburgh Steelers are under the microscope—and they know it.

After an aggressive offseason that saw Omar Khan bring in high-profile talent like Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey, and DK Metcalf, expectations are sky-high in the Steel City. That “all-in” energy is palpable. But not every roster decision was about headline-grabbing additions.

In fact, one of the boldest moves was what the team chose not to do.

After parting ways with George Pickens, many expected the Steelers to chase another proven wide receiver. But Khan and the front office made a calculated, championship-level decision—they placed trust in the guys already in the room.

And on Saturday night, Roman Wilson proved they made the right call.

It’s been a tough road for Wilson. The former Michigan standout entered the league with promise, only to miss his entire rookie season due to a frustrating ankle injury.

His return this offseason was anything but smooth, with a slow start to training camp and questions beginning to swirl about whether he could make the leap.

Roman Wilson proved he can become the WR the Pitsburgh Steelers are looking for

But Wilson stayed the course. He stayed coachable. And perhaps most importantly, he stayed humble.

"I need Roman to get out of his own head a bit,” Aaron Rodgers said during camp. “He cares so much about whether it’s my approval or if he’s doing it right. He’s got to trust himself.”

Rodgers' words stuck. Wilson leaned into them, focused on the work, and it showed. After stringing together several strong practices, he carried that momentum into Saturday’s preseason opener—and made the most of his opportunity.

Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith wasted no time tapping into Wilson’s speed and versatility.

One of the highlights of the night was a slick read-option bubble pass that saw Wilson explode for a quick gain. He finished the night with two catches on two targets for 24 yards—not a jaw-dropping stat line, but one that doesn’t tell the full story.

His routes were sharp. His hands were reliable. And most importantly, he looked comfortable and confident.

Wilson’s performance might not dominate headlines, but it sent a message loud and clear: he belongs. With more performances like Saturday night’s, the second-year wideout could carve out a meaningful role in this offense—and quite a lot of critics in the process.

For Roman Wilson, this wasn’t just a preseason game. It was a turning point.