“One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity”: Mike Tomlin backs $5,750,000 WR to fill DK Metcalf void as Steelers star faces 2-game suspension

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has backed wideout Roman Wilson to step up for the team amid DK Metcalf's two-game suspension. Metcalf is suspended for the rest of Pittsburgh's regular season after he initiated a physical confrontation with a fan during his team's Week 16 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, violating league policy against player-fan altercations.

On Tuesday, Tomlin expressed his excitement at Wilson's opportunity to shine while Metcalf serves his suspension.

“One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity,” Tomlin said. “A guy like Roman Wilson, for example, who has been working extremely hard and growing throughout the course of this thing, but had his role reduced in recent weeks. “Man, I’m excited about what this opportunity might mean for him to display growth in the midst of the time where he hadn’t been participating — to show his professionalism and readiness, and how he’s been sharpening his sword for battle.”

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Wilson signed a four-year, $5.75 million rookie contract with the Steelers in May 2024.

This season, Wilson has posted 166 yards and two touchdowns on 12 receptions. However, he has been a healthy inactive for the Steelers over their past three games.

Wilson had been behind veteran wide receivers Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling on Pittsburgh's depth chart. However, Wilson is expected to get a chance to prove his worth in the coming weeks.

Mike Tomlin's Steelers will take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin - Source: Imagn

Mike Tomlin's Steelers (9-6) will take on the Cleveland Browns (3-12) in Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season on Sunday. The game is scheduled to commence at 1 p.m. ET from Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Steelers have won each of their past three games. If they beat the Browns, they will clinch the AFC North and qualify for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Browns enter Week 17 on the back of four straight losses.

Edited by Arnold