Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Roman Wilson will remain on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ sideline rather than on the field as they take on the Houston Texans on Monday night. The second-year receiver and 2024 third-round draft pick will be inactive for the Wild Card playoff matchup, much like he’s been for most of the last two months.
Rookie tailback Kaleb Johnson, cornerback Tre Flowers, linebacker Jeremiah Moon, offensive lineman Jack Driscoll and defensive lineman Logan Lee also won’t dress for the Steelers.
Rookie Will Howard will serve as the Steelers’ emergency third quarterback.
With Wilson not suiting up, the Steelers will go with Calvin Austin III, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen behind No. 1 wideout DK Metcalf. Wilson had 12 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns this campaign, but has only played in one game since November. He wasn’t targeted in that road clash with the Cleveland Browns in Week 17.
Johnson, the Steelers’ third-round draft pick last year, has been buried on the depth chart behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell.
Gainwell has emerged this season after signing a one-year deal in free agency last offseason. He was voted as the Steelers’ MVP before last week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, showing off his pass-catching skills throughout the season. He finished the regular season as the Steelers’ receptions leader.
The Steelers face stiff resistance, as the Texans ranked No. 1 in yards allowed per game (277.2), sixth in passing yards allowed per game (183.5), fourth in rushing yards allowed per game (93.7) and second in points allowed per game (17.4) this regular season.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Playoff Debut Must Wait For Young Steelers WR
