As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers were expecting big things from rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson.
The Michigan product’s outlook, however, took a hit on Tuesday as he was carted off the field with an apparent ankle injury.
According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Wilson suffered the injury after getting rolled up on at the end of a jet sweep during a drill. Per Pryor, the 2023 second-team All-Big Ten selection was “making a play for the end zone when he got tackled short of the goal line.” He proceeded to exit the field under his own power before leaving the padded practice on a cart.
“It was unfortunate we had an injury today, man,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters. “Roman hurt his ankle on the tackle, and so we’ll have more information regarding the length of his status in terms of how long he might be out.”
Pittsburgh selected Wilson in the third round (No. 84 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. He caught 48 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns as a key contributor to Michigan’s offense during the Wolverines’ run to last season’s College Football Playoff championship.
Wilson was expected to be a regular part of the Steelers’ receiver rotation during his rookie season, playing alongside George Pickens and Van Jefferson. His absence could mean more playing time for Scotty Miller, Quez Watkins and Calvin Austin III.
[ESPN]
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.