Steelers Rookie LB to Get First-Team Reps

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie linebacker Payton Wilson led the team in tackles in his NFL debut on Friday night. Wilson recorded five solo tackles, seven total, and one tackle for loss against the Houston Texans.

The Steelers are off on Tuesday, but when they return to practice on Wednesday, starters Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts will get in some solo work while the third-rounder gets work with the first team.

Coach Mike Tomlin made that announcement following an intense workout on Monday.

"We view starters not playing more as an opportunity for some ascending guys to get not only more reps, but more competitive reps against more experienced competition,” Tomlin said. “That's how we look at some of that.

“We'll continue that throughout the remainder of this process. I think when I come back on Wednesday, Queen and Roberts, for example, will rotate out. It will be a good day for a guy like Payton Wilson."

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This year’s No. 98 overall pick has had an outstanding camp thus far and has really begun to win coaches over. His intensity, willingness to learn, and overall passion for the game are just a few of the traits that have been praised by his teammates.

Wilson will get plenty of playing time on Saturday night when the Steelers host the Buffalo Bills in their second preseason game at home.