Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will miss multiple weeks after re-aggravating a foot injury, according to coach Mike McCarthy. The veteran has struggled this season with just seven catches for 89 yards through three games.
The Steelers’ coaching staff confirmed Pittman’s setback on Thursday, with McCarthy stating, It’s the same foot, so it’s going to be a multiple-week injury.
The receiver was spotted using a scooter in the locker room following Wednesday’s practice, and his absence raises questions about the team’s passing game as they prepare to face his former team, the Indianapolis Colts.
Injury Update and Roster Adjustments
Pittman, who signed a three-year contract worth up to $59 million with Pittsburgh, had previously missed the Week 2 game against the New England Patriots due to plantar fasciitis. His latest injury comes as the Steelers evaluate his roster status, with the possibility of placing him on injured reserve. McCarthy said the team is still evaluating his roster situation.
The 29-year-old has been limited in practice this week, and his absence creates opportunities for younger receivers. Roman Wilson, who has 24 targets and 14 receptions this season, and rookie Germie Bernard, who has seven receptions for 60 yards through four games, are expected to see increased roles. Germ has been balling since he first got here,
said wide receiver DK Metcalf.
Pittman’s injury comes as the Steelers prepare to face the Colts, a game that quarterback Aaron Rodgers acknowledged as a unique opportunity. We’d love to get Pitt involved, especially this week, being his former team, but there’s going to be opportunities for a lot of guys,
Rodgers said. However, with Pittman sidelined, the focus shifts to Wilson and Bernard, who have shown promise in limited roles.
Offensive Challenges and Roster Changes
Pittman’s struggles have been evident, with a 58.3% catch rate and 0.99 yards per route run, placing him 45th in the NFL. His absence forces the Steelers to rely more on DK Metcalf, who has 16 receptions for 213 yards and one touchdown through four games.
Fantasy analysts suggest that Wilson could emerge as a reliable option, with his 24 targets and 14 receptions marking him as a potential weekly starter. Meanwhile, Bernard’s role is less certain, though his route-running skills have drawn praise.
Wilson has become a key target for Rodgers, with 24 targets and 14 receptions for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Roman has a second gear that you love to utilize as much as you possibly can,
McCarthy said, highlighting Wilson’s improved route-running. Bernard, a second-round pick out of Alabama, has seven catches out of 11 attempts, including eight against the Patriots, totaling 60 yards.
The Steelers’ offense, already under scrutiny, now faces added pressure. With Pittman out, the team faces more than one game without the veteran they brought in to play opposite DK Metcalf.
Financial and Contract Implications
The Steelers’ investment in Pittman has been underwhelming, with his three-year contract worth up to $59 million.
The injury could also affect the Steelers’ roster situation, as they may need to place Pittman on injured reserve to free up a roster spot.
The Steelers also received a 7th-round draft pick in the trade that sent Pittman to Pittsburgh, while the Colts got a 6th-rounder they used on defensive lineman Caden Curry.
League Position and Playoff Outlook
Pittman’s injury further complicates the Steelers’ situation, as they now lack a reliable No. 2 receiver. The team’s passing game has struggled, with Rodgers’ quarterback rating when targeting Pittman only 46.9. His absence forces the offense to rely more on other options.
The Colts, Pittman's former team, have seen their own challenges this season, but his underperformance in Pittsburgh has raised concerns about the trade. The Steelers’ decision to acquire him was seen as a bid to upgrade their receiving corps, but the injury setbacks have undermined those efforts.
As the Steelers prepare for their Week 5 matchup against the Colts, the focus will shift to how Wilson and Bernard adapt to increased responsibilities. With Pittman’s future uncertain, the team’s ability to develop its younger receivers will be critical to their success this season.