It is looking increasingly likely that this is a lost rookie season for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first third-round pick.
Wide receiver Roman Wilson was placed on injured reserve Monday because of a hamstring injury that prevented him from practicing all of the past week. The No. 84 overall pick from the national champion Michigan Wolverines, Wilson missed almost all of training camp and the preseason because of an ankle injury suffered on the first day of padded practice at Saint Vincent College.
Even when Wilson was medically cleared to play early during the regular season, the Steelers frequently made him a healthy scratch. He made one game appearance – Oct. 13 at the Las Vegas Raiders – but played only five snaps during the Steelers’ win. Despite receiver depth being arguably the biggest weakness on the Steelers roster, the team again sat Wilson during the Oct. 20 game against the New York Jets.
For Monday’s game against the New York Giants, the Steelers for a second time elected to elevate Brandon Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster instead of dressing Wilson. The Steelers earlier in the season also had deployed Ben Skowronek and at times elected to dress an extra player at a different position instead of using Wilson.
Wilson was second-team Big Ten last season, when he had 12 touchdowns and led Michigan in receptions (48) and receiving yards (789).
Players on IR must miss a minimum of four games. If and when they are designated to return, they get a 21-day practice window to ramp up before they must be activated for a game. Monday night was the Steelers’ eighth game of the season.
The Giants’ game was the third for the Steelers this season for Johnson, who in the prior two seasons played in Denver with now-Steelers starting quarterback Russell Wilson.
Ward promoted
Taking Wilson’s place on the 53-man roster was veteran running back Jonathan Ward, who on Monday was in uniform for a fourth game this season. A five-year NFL veteran of 45 games, Ward signed with the Steelers in May.
Ward surpassed Aaron Shampklin on the running backs depth chart. A Harvard alum, Shampklin was released Monday. Shampklin, who might re-sign to the practice squad this week, made his NFL debut and has appeared in three games for the Steelers this season. He has six carries for 17 yards.
