Actions speak louder than words. For Roman Wilson, his ball security will be under intense scrutiny going forward. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, not trading for a wide receiver signals a belief in Wilson and their receiver room. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Arthur Smith affirmed what the Steelers didn’t do ahead of the trade deadline by giving Wilson an earnest vote of confidence.
“We’ve got a lot of faith in Roman,” Smith said via the PPG’s Brian Batko. “He’s a tough-minded guy.”
Arthur Smith says Roman Wilson learned a tough lesson with his four-minute offense fumble in the fourth quarter of that Colts game, and they’ll try to coach that sort of decision out of him. “We’ve got a lot of faith in Roman. He’s a tough-minded guy.”
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) November 6, 2025
Smith’s comments echo Mike Tomlin’s Tuesday assessment.
Wilson’s fumble came as Pittsburgh attempted to close out last its win last Sunday over the Indianapolis Colts. After catching a quick screen pass against off-coverage, Wilson picked up the first down. Instead of just going down, he hurdled and fumbled at the apex. The ball was recovered by Indianapolis, breathing new life into a game that should’ve been over.
Fortunately for Wilson, CB Joey Porter Jr. got the ball back three plays later with his first interception of the season. Still, that doesn’t absolve Wilson for an obvious blunder.
At the same time, it doesn’t detract from the positive plays he’s made in recent weeks. A clutch first down against the Cincinnati Bengals forgotten and negated by a Broderick Jones holding. Splash plays against the Green Bay Packers, including a 45-yard catch on third down and the first touchdown of his NFL career. Signs of progress in an otherwise quiet start to his career. One marred by injury as a rookie and by limited 2025 snaps until recent weeks.
It’s not the first time Wilson has hurdled. A correction Smith wants to fix so his mistake doesn’t have an encore performance, as shared by the PPG’s Gerry Dulac.
Arthur Smith said he is trying to break the habit of WR Roman Wilson leaving his feet to avoid a tackle. Said he sees it in college all the time. That bonehead move — Mike Tomlin's word — resulted in a late fumble against the Colts.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) November 6, 2025
Wilson hurdled against the Bengals and though he didn’t fumble, a player leaving his feet always increases that risk.
Inconsistent chances might make Wilson feel the need to make the “hero” play each time he touches the ball. He doesn’t need to. Understanding the situation and what’s most important, ball security, is key. Keeping himself grounded is the way to earn more trust and playing time. Literally and figuratively.
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