Roman Wilson injury update: Latest news on Steelers WR status in Week 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been without rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson for about three weeks after he sustained an ankle injury during training on July 30.

Since then, Wilson's status for Week 1 has been uncertain. He was diagnosed with an ankle sprain that was initially week-to-week, so his return was believed to be imminent.

However, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Wilson did not practice on Tuesday and the sports reporter does not expect the rookie to play in the third week of preseason play.

In addition, Fittipaldo believes it is possible to be on the injured list at the beginning of the season.

Latest news on Roman Wilson's injury

“I don't think he's going to play. He didn't practice yesterday,” Fittipaldo said on 93.7 The Fan. “His situation is definitely something to keep an eye on. He's obviously a third-round pick. They're going to keep him on the 53-man roster, but being a rookie and not playing any preseason games, I think depending on what else happens with this roster, he's a candidate to start on the injured list.”

“So that's something we'll have to keep an eye on next week. If he returns to training later this week or next week, we'll see. But right now, things aren't looking good for Roman Wilson.”

Wilson has just over two weeks to get in shape before the regular season begins, but even if he does, the fact that he missed almost all of training camp could limit his playing time early in the season.

By all appearances, Wilson was already in good shape before his injury, so it shouldn't be long before he can secure a new role if he doesn't get one in the first week or so.

Of course, it would be catastrophic for the Steelers' offense, which already lacks reliable weapons in the passing game, to have Wilson start on the injured list, which would mean he would miss the first four games.

Granted, Wilson isn't a big name as a rookie, but Pittsburgh needs all hands on deck.