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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin delivered a message to wide receiver Roman Wilson with DK Metcalf receiving a suspension.
Mike Tomlin loves the saying, “one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity.” But the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach went one step further with Roman Wilson in light of DK Metcalf’s suspension.
In his press conference Tuesday, Tomlin singled out the second-year wideout as someone the Steelers need to replace Metcalf.
“A guy like Roman Wilson, for example, who’s been working extremely hard and growing throughout this thing, but had his role reduced in recent weeks,” Tomlin told reporters. “I’m excited what this opportunity might mean for his. To display growth in the midst in the time where he hasn’t been participating. To show his professionalism. His readiness and how he’s been sharpening his sword for battle in the rankings while he hasn’t been playing. I just think that’s always the lens in which I see it.
“Whether it’s discipline in nature or injury-related, you can waste a lot of time pining for those that you don’t have. As a leader, I think it’s my job to work and prepare those I do have and position them to live out their dreams and be positive contributors to a winning effort.”
Wilson has been a healthy scratch for the Steelers the past three weeks. During that stretch, the offense has turned to veteran wideouts Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
The strategy has worked. With Wilson not playing, the Steelers have won three straight games and averaged 28 points per contest.
But the Steelers might have to turn back to Wilson in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns. Metcalf received a two-game suspension Monday for his involvement in an altercation with a Detroit Lions fan during Week 16.
Furthermore, wide receiver Calvin Austin III suffered a hamstring injury against the Lions.
Mike Tomlin Delivers Message to WR Roman Wilson
The second-year wideout told reporters before the Lions matchup he has been trying to spin his benching into a positive. Specifically, Wilson argued it allowed him to reflect on how he can improve and grow.
Clearly, Tomlin believes that as well. Now, with Metcalf likely to miss Sunday’s contest, the head coach wants Wilson to display what he’s learned during his time on the bench.
Wilson arrived in Pittsburgh as a 2024 third-round pick. Even after a disappointing injury-plagued rookie season, expectations were high for Wilson entering 2025.
But in 12 games, he has just one contest with more than 35 receiving yards or greater than two receptions. A lot of his production has come late in blowouts.
Overall, Wilson has posted 12 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games this season.
The Steelers could use more receiving production from the second-year wideout. However, the team’s offense looks improved with Thielen and Valdes-Scantling not because those veterans are filling the stat sheet.
Thielen and Valdes-Scantling are pulling defenders away from other pass-catchers and running better rub routes than Wilson did. That has helped other players get open. Each veteran has also made timely catches on third down and in the red zone.
Finally, Thielen has also been an above average blocker, which has assisted the Steelers rushing attack.
Wilson can help the Steelers do those things too if he plays in Week 17.
DK Metcalf Appeal Hearing Set, Calvin Austin III Injured Again
The Steelers are just one win or a Baltimore Ravens loss away from the AFC North title. However, Pittsburgh might have to conclude the regular season with depth concerns at receiver.
The NFL suspended Metcalf two games for his altercation with a Lions fan on Sunday. Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that Metcalf will meet with the NFL for an appeal hearing. The Steelers head coach also stated he supports his receiver but tried to avoid adding other details.
There isn’t a lot of NFL precedent in punishment for players who engage in altercations with fans. But with an appeal hearing, it’s possible the league could reduce the suspension.
Even a one-game deduction, though, would mean Metcalf misses Week 17.
Tomlin had even fewer details on Austin during his Tuesday press conference. But Tomlin acknowledged Austin has a hamstring injury.
If Metcalf and Austin are both sidelined, Wilson could not only dress but play significant snaps against the Browns.
Metcalf has posted 59 catches, 850 receiving yards and four touchdowns this season. Not only does he lead the Steelers in receiving, but he has twice as many yards in the category as any other Pittsburgh pass-catcher this season.
Austin has registered 28 receptions, 317 yards and two scores in 13 games.
“I’m Not Asking Their Opinion”: Cowboys Coach Speaks Blunty on Plan With Starters After Playoff Elimination
Brian Schottenheimer left little room for interpretation when outlining his plan for the Dallas Cowboys after playoff elimination. The first-year head coach made it clear that the team will compete to the finish, regardless of draft position or outside criticism.
The Cowboys were knocked out of postseason contention with two games remaining, a point in the schedule when many teams shift toward evaluation mode. Schottenheimer instead doubled down on playing his starters, emphasizing that the goal remains winning football games and establishing standards that carry into next season.
His message followed a tense moment inside the locker room, where frustration surfaced after another loss. Quarterback Dak Prescott voiced disappointment with the team’s response as the season slipped away, a reaction that reflected the broader mood within the organization. Rather than easing off, Schottenheimer responded by reinforcing accountability and effort.
Dallas still has tangible benchmarks to chase. A strong finish could avoid a losing record and produce a winning mark within the division, outcomes the coaching staff views as meaningful. Individual milestones also remain in reach, giving veterans added incentive to stay on the field.
Dallas Cowboys’ Brian Schottenheimer Talks About Plan With Starters After Playoff Elimination
Schottenheimer shared his thoughts about the team’s starters after getting eliminated from the playoffs. This can be seen in a post by Jon Machota on X.
Concerns about injury risk have been raised, especially in a season marked by attrition across the league. Schottenheimer acknowledged the physical nature of the sport but dismissed the idea of resting healthy players. His approach centers on trust in preparation, conditioning and the competitive mindset players have carried since youth football.
As Dallas prepares for its final games, the coach’s blunt stance reflects a broader philosophy about culture. Schottenheimer believes habits formed now will shape the roster’s identity moving forward. Whether the results match the intent remains to be seen, but the Cowboys are committed to finishing the season on their terms rather than backing into the offseason quietly.
