When a young wide receiver stays off the field in a preseason finale, anxiety naturally spreads across the Pittsburgh Steelers fanbase. For Roman Wilson, a wideout whose trajectory has been scrutinized since his arrival, sitting out Pittsburgh's final tune-up could easily be misconstrued as an ominous sign for his 53-man roster status.
However, Steelers reporter Christopher Carter suggested on his “Locked on Steelers” podcast that it might not be a bad thing. Carter said a closer look at the sideline environment suggests his absence was actually a major vote of confidence from the coaching staff.
Wilson wasn't just held out in isolation; he stood on the sideline in street clothes alongside established mainstays and key defensive leaders who were
resting to preserve their health for Week 1.
"When I saw Roman Wilson was one of them, I wasn't sure what to make of that," Carter admitted. "There's the part of me that wants to say he knows it's over or he needs to find something else because Roman Wilson hasn't been too impressive. But considering all the other players who were out and he was just in street clothes there on the sideline, maybe that's the sign that they are more confident in him."
Rather than forcing Wilson to battle for reps in late-game exhibition action, Pittsburgh prioritized keeping him healthy. Rested alongside veterans, his absence could signal that the staff already values his role on the initial roster.
"So, Roman Wilson, if you're not playing because they trust you and they want to see other people, more power to you," Carter added. "Roman Wilson not playing, I'm going to lean in the direction of that's a W for him."
Standing out by sitting out may be the ultimate confirmation of Wilson's place in Pittsburgh's offense.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Why Roman Wilson sitting out Steelers finale is actually good news
