The big Pittsburgh Steelers news of day one of training camp was Aaron Rodgers’ rusty start, but other interesting tidbits were of note, too, like second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson beginning the summer with the first-team offense.
“Roman Wilson, DK Metcalf, and Calvin Austin III are your first team WRs in 11 personnel,” PennLive beat reporter Nick Farabaugh relayed on July 24. And one of Rodgers’ only completions in team drills connected with the 2024 draft pick (video via @SteelersWRRobbie).
Don’t overlook the subtle significance of this sudden promotion. Last year, head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith were almost resistant in giving the rookie pass-catcher any playing time at all. Often citing Wilson’s lack of reps throughout training camp.
Remember the Tomlin bit about boarding a train while it’s already moving?
That was pretty much all we heard about Wilson in 2024, and then he was MIA for months with nagging injuries. Needless to say, the fact that he’s earning immediate snaps with Rodgers and company is already a major step in the right direction.
Can Steelers WR Roman Wilson Finally Show Off Impact Talent in 2025?
Wilson was viewed as an impact playmaker and a winning contributor out of the draft, so it was pretty disappointing when he practically redshirted his rookie campaign.
All of that is in the past now, however, and the Steelers are setting up for Wilson to play a much bigger role in year two.
The recent third-round pick earned extra attention this spring for his physique, which veteran beat reporter Mark Kaboly described as a “chiseled freak.” But it wasn’t just the bod that impressed Kaboly, among others.
Throughout OTAs, Wilson was running routes with a crispness and a confidence that Steelers fans and media had not seen since before his injuries last year.As Kaboly put it, he liked how Wilson looked in 2024 after recovering from injury, but he “looks better now.” Although that praise is very simply put, perhaps the more obvious sign of progress is Tomlin starting Wilson out with the 1s.
Early Injury Updates From Steelers Training Camp
Steelers Now beat reporter Alan Saunders provided a general injury update from day one of training camp. It included new tight end Jonnu Smith and veteran running back/returner Cordarrelle Patterson, but the headliner was left guard Isaac Seumalo.
“LG Isaac Seumalo is on the non-football injury list with an undisclosed soft tissue injury,” Saunders noted. Adding: “Spencer Anderson moved up to the first team at left guard.”
As for Smith and Patterson, here’s what the Steelers Now reporter had to say:
“TE Jonnu Smith took individual drills, but not team periods, with an undisclosed injury. Head coach Mike Tomlin said he’s day-to-day. Darnell Washington started with the first-team offense. RB/KR Cordarrelle Patterson did not practice and is also day-to-day.”
