The Pittsburgh Steelers placed Roman Wilson on injured reserve Saturday, sidelining him for at least four games just as his production was improving. His finger injury against Indianapolis leaves the passing game thinner for Sunday's game in Tampa and beyond.
Michael Pittman Jr. is already on IR, and Ben Skowronek's calf injury will keep him out against the Buccaneers. Pittsburgh's receiver shortage leaves Mike McCarthy trying to replace three options at once.
Wilson's 14 catches for 188 yards and two touchdowns through five games already topped his 12 catches for 166 yards across 13 games last season. Nine of this year's receptions produced first downs. Pittsburgh was getting plays that kept the offense on the field.
Wilson appeared in just one game as a rookie in 2024, so another extended absence interrupts a development process Pittsburgh has already waited for. His production doesn't make him irreplaceable. But with Pittman and Skowronek hurt, the Steelers can't simply move another regular up the rotation and carry on.
Practice squad promotions leave the Pittsburgh Steelers searching for a dependable WR3
The Steelers elevated Brandon Johnson and Brandon Smith from the practice squad for Sunday, with both reverting after the game. Smith also came up for the Colts game, so one more elevation would require him to be signed to the 53-man roster. Pittsburgh separately signed running back Lew Nichols to the 53-man roster following three consecutive game-day elevations.
Johnson has 26 career receptions for 335 yards and five touchdowns across 23 games. He's earned a fair shot. But that résumé doesn't establish a dependable weekly replacement for Wilson, and neither elevation settles who will keep drives moving when Aaron Rodgers needs a target besides DK Metcalf.
Rookie Germie Bernard offers a more encouraging start after catching six passes for 80 yards against Indianapolis. His 25-yard reception on third-and-2 helped extend the fourth-quarter touchdown drive that pushed Pittsburgh's lead from 24-22 to 31-22. McCarthy should keep giving him meaningful work, but he should recognize that one strong afternoon doesn't establish the dependable weekly production Pittsburgh needs without Wilson.
Metcalf's removal from the injury report after an illness is a big help. Pat Freiermuth is now questionable with a calf injury, though, leaving another potential opening in the passing game. Pittsburgh could use two tight ends to reduce its need for three-receiver formations, but Freiermuth's availability affects the quality of that option.
Freiermuth's status will help determine how much Pittsburgh needs from its elevated receivers right away. If he can't go, McCarthy should involve Johnson and Smith on early downs. Pittsburgh needs another receiver who can make Tampa Bay pay if it sends extra coverage toward Metcalf.
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