Can Pittsburgh afford another setback in their passing game?
With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Pittsburgh Steelers face a dilemma in their receiving corps that could push them to explore external options. The team’s offseason trade of Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers was a calculated risk, aimed at making room for promising rookie Roman Wilson. However, the young receiver’s ongoing injury struggles have left Pittsburgh dangerously thin at a key offensive position.
Wilson’s Injury Woes: A Season-Long Setback
The Steelers had high hopes for Wilson, a former Michigan standout, but his inaugural season has been plagued by injuries since training camp. A high ankle sprain kept him sidelined for the first five games, finally allowing him a chance to make his debut against the Raiders in Week 6. However, optimism quickly faded when Wilson was ruled out for the Jets game after reportedly aggravating the same ankle injury. Now, the question remains: can Wilson regain the form the Steelers so desperately need?
Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the ongoing issue, saying, “Roman needs to work for me to really consider him… His participation got compromised some last week. And so, really, once it got compromised, I moved on.” This straightforward stance signals that the Steelers are growing wary of counting on Wilson alone to fill the gap left by Johnson.
Existing Receivers Show Promise, But Depth Remains a Concern
Despite the ongoing struggles with Wilson’s health, other wide receivers have stepped up to the challenge. George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin III have shown flashes of brilliance in Wilson’s absence, proving themselves to be reliable targets. The recent inclusion of quarterback Russell Wilson has also boosted the passing game’s efficiency, creating some optimism for the offense’s potential moving forward.
Nevertheless, the Steelers find themselves on the verge of being short-staffed again. A single injury to their remaining receivers could severely compromise their ability to sustain a productive passing attack, prompting whispers of potential trade moves as a means of securing much-needed depth.
Weighing the Trade Option: Should Pittsburgh Pull the Trigger?
The upcoming trade deadline on November 5 looms large for the Steelers. If the front office determines that Wilson’s availability will continue to be limited, they may be left with little choice but to acquire a new receiver. While Tomlin and the team have been careful not to jump at a quick fix, the growing urgency in Pittsburgh’s receiving corps is hard to ignore. A trade could be the answer to solidifying the team’s playoff hopes, providing insurance against future setbacks.
Pittsburgh’s need for a dependable receiving corps is evident. The question now is whether the Steelers will take action to reinforce their roster or place their faith in their current lineup as the season progresses. One thing is certain: with the clock ticking on the trade deadline, decisions made in the coming days could be pivotal in determining Pittsburgh’s postseason prospects.
