Steelers rookie Payton Wilson to play vs. Lions after injury scare

Rookie inside linebacker Payton Wilson exited early from the Pittsburgh Steelers preseason matchup with the Buffalo Bills and was evaluated for a concussion.

The Steelers got a bit of good news with Wilson having cleared protocol. Per Alan Saunders of Steelers Now, Wilson will play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale against the Detroit Lions on Saturday.

Wilson said the preseason has benefited him coming from college in adjusting to the speed of the NFL.

“I’ve really enjoyed the preseason because it’s slowing the game down a lot,” Wilson told Steelers media on Thursday. “It’s not like we’re just jumping right into week one, and then you have to adjust on the fly.”

Given the injury scare, the Steelers would be wise to limit Wilson to a drive or two. While it was never disclosed whether he suffered a concussion, it’s an injury that can’t be taken lightly.