The Pittsburgh Steelers opened up the practice windows for three injured players on December 31 — rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson, veteran linebacker Cole Holcomb and rookie defensive lineman Logan Lee.

On January 1, Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was asked about the Wilson move in particular, and he dropped a major hint about the 2024 third rounder’s potential playoff availability, or lack thereof.

“Arthur Smith said hopefully the Steelers are playing long enough that Roman Wilson becomes an option,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo relayed ahead of Week 18, adding that “it doesn’t sound like the rookie third-round pick will be activated back to the 53-man roster by Saturday.”

Needless to say, Smith’s assessment doesn’t exactly bode well for the youngster’s first-round status either. If the Steelers were to advance, however, perhaps Wilson might then enter the equation as a depth option that could provide a spark in the Divisional Round.