Steelers' Aaron Rodgers situation appears to be improving after alarming report

A recent report indicated that the working relationships between Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his wide receivers were sparking concerns among those who cover the team. 

For a piece published on Wednesday morning, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic noted that Rodgers' "connection" with 2024 third-round draft pick Roman Wilson "took a step in the right direction" on Tuesday after the two previously lacked chemistry this summer. DeFabo mentioned that Rodgers completed multiple passes to Wilson during practice. 

"Before Tuesday," DeFabo wrote, "the most noteworthy targets in Wilson’s direction were missed connections. Wilson and Rodgers weren’t on the same page on an out route early in the first week. On Sunday, Rodgers targeted Wilson on a corner route — the ball skipped well in front of the receiver, suggesting it could have been a route depth issue. Rodgers has been hands-on, teaching Wilson exactly how he wants routes to be executed." 

The Steelers seemingly hope that learning from the future Hall of Famer could help Wilson compete for the club's WR2 gig after injuries limited the 24-year-old to just five offensive snaps during his rookie season. DK Metcalf is on track to serve as Rodgers' top target after Pittsburgh acquired Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks and then handed him a five-year deal worth $150M. The Steelers later traded wideout George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys before training-camp practices got underway. 

Steelers players reportedly "have gravitated to" Rodgers since he officially joined the team in June, and he quickly took rookie quarterback Will Howard under his wing. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin will look for Rodgers to have a positive impact on all the team's playmakers leading up to September. That said, DeFabo shared that Wilson needs "to become a more polished route-runner" before the Steelers face the New York Jets in Week 1 on Sept. 7.  

"[Wilson] said receivers coach Zach Azzanni has worked with him on keeping his feet in front of him instead of getting too wide in his stance," DeFabo added. 

Tomlin and Co. took a gamble when they trusted that the offense wouldn't suffer after Rodgers spent the voluntary portion of the offseason program as an unsigned free agent. Perhaps Tuesday's practice showed that Rodgers' new teammates are growing more comfortable with the 41-year-old ahead of Pittsburgh's preseason opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars this coming Saturday.