Payton Wilson Returns to Every-Down Role With 13-Tackle Game

After struggling late in the 2025 season and losing snaps, inside linebacker Payton Wilson has firmly reclaimed an every-down role for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Earning the full trust of the defensive coaching staff, Wilson played 58 of 61 defensive snaps in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. He rewarded that confidence by flying all over the field to record a team-best 13 total tackles, anchoring the middle of Pittsburgh's defense in a strong bounce-back performance.