Steelers place Wilson on IR with finger injury
Pittsburgh lost receiver Roman Wilson to injured reserve with a finger injury, the second starting receiver sidelined in as many weeks.
Why Wilson is on IR
People are searching "Steelers place Wilson on IR with finger injury" because Pittsburgh made it official this week. Receiver Roman Wilson is headed to injured reserve with a finger injury, and he is out at least four weeks. He got hurt in the Steelers' Week 5 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
What is known: the injury is to his finger, and the floor on his absence is four weeks. What is not known: an exact return date beyond that four week minimum. What happens next: Pittsburgh plays Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers without him, and the Steelers have already turned to the practice squad to cover the position.
A second receiver down in as many weeks
Wilson was quarterback Aaron Rodgers' favorite downfield target and had two touchdown catches this season. His injury lands a week after the Steelers put Michael Pittman Jr. on injured reserve for a foot injury he aggravated. Receiver and special teams player Ben Skowronek was already ruled out for Sunday, which means Pittsburgh is without three of its top five pass catchers against Tampa Bay.
Rodgers addressed the depth chart this week. "Seems like at this point it's just in-house options," he said, adding that the Steelers have practice squad players who have played at a high level before and that he is looking forward to getting them on the field.
Who steps in
To cover the losses, the Steelers elevated receivers Brandon Smith and Brandon Johnson from the practice squad. Rodgers has history with both. "I've always been a fan of Brandon Johnson," he said, noting Johnson's locker sat next to his last year and that Johnson has played well when given chances. Rodgers also said he knows Smith from his time with the New York Jets and believes in him.
One bit of good news, and what is still unsettled
The Steelers did get a positive update at receiver. DK Metcalf was taken off the injury list after missing Friday's practice with an illness, clearing him for Sunday. Tight end Pat Freiermuth was added to the injury report Saturday with a calf issue and is listed as questionable.
The Buccaneers game has not been played yet. This story covers the injury news only. There is no result to report on Pittsburgh's receiver situation until Sunday's game is actually played.
Facts per ESPN. Opinion is the taproom's.