When the Steelers selected receiver Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, with the 84th overall pick, there were high hopes for what he could bring to the offense in his rookie season.

But injuries derailed his rookie season, not just once, but twice.

Wilson suffered an ankle injury in the first padded practice of Steelers training camp, missing the remainder of camp and the preseason. He returned to the field for the Oct. 13 Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, playing just five snaps.

Wilson was placed on the Reserve/Injured List with a hamstring injury on Oct. 28, and while he was designated for return prior to the final regular season game, he remained on the list for the rest of the season.

Wilson did say returning to practice benefited him, something that can carry over into the offseason.

"My body feels better than it's felt in a long time," said Wilson after returning to practice. "Mentally, I can't really find a word for it. Just focused. Determined. I got a lot of expectations for myself, and I've got a lot of things I've got to do to be able to reach those goals.

"It was good getting back out there and getting my feet back and building every single day."

That has been Wilson's focus since the season began, improving every day. Whether it was on the field, in the classroom, film study, weight room, his goal has always been to continue to improve.

And that hasn't changed.

"For me, it's just finding a way to get better every day," said Wilson. "Climbing every single day trying to build on what I have and looking forward to what I can get for myself. Just keep building, keep getting better. Trusting the coaches. Trusting my teammates. Believe in myself and it'll be good."

Wilson, who played college football at Michigan where he appeared in 46 career games, finishing his career with 107 receptions for 1,707 yards and 20 touchdowns, spent his time on the Reserve/Injured List focused on ways he could improve and better himself both on and off the field

"Just building a good routine so when I get back, I can pick up better than where I left off," said Wilson. "Getting here early, trying to get here earlier than what I was doing before. I take care of my body at a higher level. Watching more film, talking to the coaches more, working on my craft more, getting in the weight room, fixing up my body, and a better plan for myself."