We are only entering Week 2, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have already dealt with their share of injuries. Late in their Week 1 contest against the Falcons, punter Cameron Johnston was lost for the season with a knee injury. Meanwhile rookie draft picks Troy Fautanu and Roman Wilson have yet to take a snap for the Steelers and have dealt with injuries since training camp.
Fortunately, the latest Steelers injury report offers a breath of fresh air.
Wilson logged his first full practice since suffering an ankle injury during the first padded practice of camp, while Fautanu isn't listed on the injury report at all this week, with the knee ailment that has kept him out of action.
Dan Moore Jr., who surprisingly popped up on the injury report and didn't practice with an ankle injury, returned as a full participant on Thursday's practice. Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi also returned as a full participant. Cornerback Darius Rush is still limited in concussion protocol.
Steelers updated injury report
Player | Injury | Wed. | Thu. |
|---|---|---|---|
Russell Wilson, QB | Calf | LP | LP |
Roman Wilson, WR | Ankle | LP | FP |
Darius Rush, CB | Concussion | LP | LP |
Dan Moore Jr., OT | Ankle | DNP | FP |
Isaac Seumalo, OG | Pectoral | DNP | DNP |
Larry Ogunjobi, DT | Knee | LP | FP |
Patrick Queen, LB | Groin | - | DNP |
Cam Heyward, DL | Rest | - | DNP |
While most news is promising, the Steelers did suffer one setback this week. Patrick Queen showed up on the injury report on Thursday with a groin issue. We know these soft tissue injuries can linger, and his status for Pittsburgh's Week 2 game against the Denver Broncos has come into question.
Isaac Seumalo is expected to miss more time after suffering a pectoral injury before the season, and veteran defensive lineman Cam Heyward got a veteran's day of rest on Thursday.
Roman Wilson's presence could aid Steelers in Week 2
The biggest issue for the Steelers in their season opener was the inability of any wide receiver not named George Pickens to step up and produce. Second among wide receivers in yards was Calvin Austin III with seven last week. Van Jefferson led all Steelers receivers in snaps but managed just one yard on two targets.
Pittsburgh doesn't have an answer opposite Pickens early in the season, but the presence of rookie Roman Wilson could help.
Wilson, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, came from a championship program at Michigan and was the top wideout for the Wolverines during the 2023 season. His 4.39 speed and soft hands should give the Steelers a boost, and Arthur Smith could elect to use him both in the slot and on the boundary.
Getting the talented receiver up to speed could take some time, as Wilson never appeared in a preseason game or logged a full padded practice this summer. If he does see a lot of usage in Week 2 against the Broncos, he could prove more effective than anyone outside of Pickens in the receiving game.