Steelers WR room takes a blow they can't afford after standout rookie gets carted off at practice

The worst part of training camp every year is the injuries.

Remaining healthy through the first week, the Pittsburgh Steelers entered their first padded practice of 2024 in good shape.

That changed quickly after rookie WR Roman Wilson was carted off following an injury in: Seven Shots.

Update: Coach Tomlin told reporters that Wilson suffered an ankle injury and will be evaluated further to determine the severity and amount of time missed.

Roman Wilson Exits Early

Wilson was spotted exiting the practice field after being attended to by the training staff. He was seen showing discomfort around the foot and ankle area, though he was able to walk to the cart under his own power.

The news is obviously concerning, even if it turns out to be an ankle sprain. The Steelers WR room is desperately thin as is, and Wilson was the team's leading WR to this point in camp, even stealing the show during Saturday's practice.

We have to wait and see what all happens with the injury in terms of severity but it comes off the heels of ESPN NFL Insider Dan Graziano suggesting that Pittsburgh should be expected to pursue a WR trade in the preseason, something this injury may all but confirm.

I expect the Steelers to add a wide receiver if one becomes available in a trade as the preseason unfolds. But as of now, nothing on that front seems imminent, which means opportunity for the guys who are in camp to audition for the No. 2 wide receiver spot behind George Pickens. Veteran Van Jefferson (who played for OC Arthur Smith in Atlanta last year) is one to keep an eye on, based on the conversations I had while I was there, and Calvin Austin Ill is another guy for whom the Steelers have high hopes. Rookie Roman Wilson has a chance to occupy the slot receiver role. - Dan Graziano, ESPN

The main concern with Wilson coming out of Michigan was his durability. A WR smaller in stature, he's a bit shorter and slighter than the man he was drafted to replace, Diontae Johnson, who also isn't the biggest pass catcher.

For now, the injury emphasizes Calvin Austin to step up and for Van Jefferson to continue impressing in his WR #2 role.

We await Coach Tomlin's presser after practice to see what we can glean from the injury and when Wilson may be able to return.