As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the 2026 NFL season, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has once again praised the development of wide receiver Roman Wilson. Throughout the summer, Rodgers has been vocal about Wilson's potential, despite the young receiver facing challenges during the preseason.
Wilson, a third-year player, had a rocky start to the preseason, particularly in the second exhibition game where quarterback Will Howard threw two interceptions on passes intended for him. This led to debates among fans and analysts regarding whether the blame lay more with Howard or Wilson for the turnovers. However, on Wednesday, Rodgers reaffirmed his support for Wilson, stating he is "really proud" of the progress the receiver has made.
Rodgers highlighted Wilson's impressive speed, which he believes is a significant asset. "He’s a lot smoother this year, and when you have a dynamic physical trait like speed, which he does, he’s a crazy top-end speed," Rodgers said. He emphasized the importance of Wilson mastering the intermediate aspects of route running to elevate his game. "If you can figure out the intermediate stuff, you can really become a big-time player," he noted.
Moreover, Rodgers praised Wilson's work ethic and eagerness to learn. The quarterback remarked on Wilson's proactive approach in seeking clarification and ensuring he understands the offensive schemes. "He’s constantly asking questions, verifying things, making sure he’s on the same page when he takes an install in the receiver room and then comes to me in the locker room about certain questions. And I love that," Rodgers added.
Despite these encouraging words, Wilson's performance has not been without its setbacks. In a recent practice, Rodgers threw an interception on a pass intended for Wilson, which raised concerns about the receiver's consistency. The quarterback addressed the situation, indicating that Wilson made a repeat mistake that he had previously committed during training camp. Rodgers expressed optimism that this experience would serve as a valuable learning opportunity for Wilson.
"I think that it’s best that it happened in practice," Rodgers stated, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes. He acknowledged that while Wilson is a talented player, he needs to translate his practice performance into game situations. Over his first two seasons, Wilson has recorded just 12 receptions for 166 yards across 14 NFL games, and last season he was a healthy scratch for a significant portion of December.
The Steelers have bolstered their receiving corps by adding Michael Pittman Jr., who will line up alongside DK Metcalf. While Wilson may not be required to take on a starting role, he is expected to compete for the WR3 position, particularly in the slot, where he currently holds an advantage over rookie Germie Bernard.
As the Steelers prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on Wilson's ability to improve and contribute effectively to the team's offense. Rodgers remains confident in Wilson's potential, stating, "He’s a great kid. He’s had a fantastic camp. I have utmost confidence in him. He’s going to have to play a big role for us." For Wilson to fulfill that role, he must demonstrate the growth that his quarterback believes he is capable of achieving.
Leave a Comment