Steelers all but confirm Roman Wilson’s 53-man roster status before NFL preseason Week 3

Steelers all but confirm Roman Wilson’s 53-man roster status before NFL preseason Week 3 originally appeared on The Sporting News .

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The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't dress receiver Roman Wilson for the team's final preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills for the second-ever contest at Highmark Stadium. There was no injury designation before the game for Wilson either.

That could indicate the former third-round pick just survived roster cuts once more heading into a make-or-break year three. Wilson's absence in Western New York could be an injury precaution to preserve Pittsburgh's slot receiver depth during Aaron Rodgers' last dance.

Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio defended the CFP champion at Michigan after the team lost 17-0 to the New York Jets , which happened as a direct result of two Will Howard targets to Wilson being picked off.

"I think Roman's continuing to grow and get better," Angelichio told reporters Saturday. "I think the more we continue to have him out there, you see him playing inside, you see him playing outside. I think those are all good because he just hasn't just been a guy that's playing outside the numbers. He's been inside, been in the slot, he's been outside. He's been moving around, and that's where we want to continue to push with all our receivers … So, it allows us to play the game on our terms."

The first part of the phrase in which Angelichio said, "The more we continue to have him out there," might've been a cap-tip to what the franchise's brain trust was thinking about Wilson. Howard's future is not as clear. The lack of a connection between the former Wolverine and the championship-winning Ohio State quarterback may be Howard's burden to bear.

Roman Wilson and Aaron Rodgers must repair chemistry quickly

If Wilson can't forge a meaningful on-field connection with Rodgers in 2026, though, that'll be on the receiver's tab. With journeyman Ben Skowronek being the only veteran competition in the slot, Wilson is safe for 2026. Pittsburgh might not be willing to be patient with Wilson in the Mike McCarthy era if he can't provide Rodgers a trusted option this fall.

Rodgers was very skeptical of Wilson in 2025. The latter was targeted just 21 times, though Wilson did himself no favors, hauling in just 12 of those targets. The 13.8 yards per catch is something Rodgers should be able to work with if Wilson's route-running technique was sharpened over the offseason.

Stark improvement hasn't been shown yet this preseason, but it looks like Wilson will get at least one more chance to prove he's a keeper in the Steel City.