McCarthy noted that the coaching staff had tracked two of the camp’s standout practices on Monday and Tuesday, describing them as among the best of training camp. Those practices contributed to the plan for who would see action on Thursday night, he said, arguing that the decisions about playing time were a result of the team’s assessment of readiness and competitiveness across the roster.
Wilson finished the 2026 preseason with three receptions for 23 yards on six targets across two game appearances. His first two exhibition games had shown flashes of potential, but his early performance review had become more nuanced as pass plays to him in practice and in games drew increased scrutiny.
Before Thursday’s game, several pundits had anticipated that Wilson would be in the mix for significant reps, particularly given his growing role during training camp. However, the absence from the uniform surprised some observers who had followed his development this summer. Social media and sports radio chatter reflected a mix of surprise and speculation about Wilson’s standing on the depth chart.
During the week, Wilson’s trajectory had been a talking point because of how his early career had progressed. In the first 14 games over his initial two NFL seasons, he had registered 12 receptions for 166 yards. That modest production, combined with the coaching staff’s willingness to test other options, created a dynamic where Wilson’s opportunities could hinge on performance in practice and in the limited game reps he earned this preseason.
Dramatic shifts in expectations around Wilson’s role were further influenced by on-field events during the preseason. A notable moment came when a different Steelers receiver, Germie Bernard, found the end zone on a swing pass in Thursday’s game, underscoring the competition at the wide receiver position. Bernard’s touchdown was the lone scoring play of the night for the Steelers’ pass-catching corps, but it highlighted the team’s ongoing evaluation process and the emergence of potential contributors from the rookie group.
Some analysts had suggested that Wilson might be on the cusp of earning a more prominent role or even slotting in as a reliable Week 1 addition, but after his absence from the finale, questions about the path to that role persisted. Critics pointed to the gap between what Wilson showed in practice and what he delivered in game settings, a gap that could influence how the coaching staff prioritizes roles as the regular season approaches. While optimism remained about Wilson’s long-term development, the preseason performance and game-day decisions were shaping a clearer but still evolving picture of his place on the roster.
Looking ahead, the Steelers’ depth at wide receiver remains a focal point as they finalize their roster decisions for Week 1. The competition appears tight, with multiple players vying for limited spots and roles. Wilson’s standing will likely depend on continued progress in practice, discipline in route running, and consistency when opportunities arise in game situations. If he can translate practice improvements into reliable game gameplay, his path to contributing on Sundays could become more definitive as the season begins.
In the broader context of the Steelers’ preseason, the decision not to play Wilson underscores a common approach: use the preseason to refine the roster, reinforce what has been earned through practice, and preserve veteran or proven players for the regular-season grind. The coaching staff emphasized the value of the two standout practices as a key factor in determining Thursday’s lineup, illustrating how in-season decisions are often rooted in recent performance benchmarks rather than isolated game-night considerations.
As the team moves into the regular season, fans will be watching to see how the receiver corps develops and which players emerge as trusted targets in high-leverage situations. Wilson’s development remains part of a larger narrative about building depth, maximizing practice gains, and converting that progress into consistent on-field output when it matters most.
