RADIO
Steelers Unsure if Michael Pittman Jr. Will Play in Week 3
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday that the foot injury that wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) is dealing with is not the injury that he suffered during training camp, according to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live. McCarthy also said that Pittman has taken some positive steps forward after being inactive in the Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday, but he is unsure if he will be able to play in the Week 3 divisional tilt this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals. It is not a ringing endorsement for the 28-year-old's status for Week 3, but we should have a better idea of Pittman's availability against Cincy once the Steelers return to practice on Wednesday. DK Metcalf was shut down by Patriots star cornerback on Sunday and caught only four of his nine targets for 27 yards, while rookie Germie Bernard led the inept offense with four catches for 35 yards. The Steelers' offense has looked like one of the worst units in football so far in 2026 through two weeks, so if Pittman works his way back and is cleared to play in Week 3, he will be an unappealing WR4/flex option for fantasy managers.
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Germie Bernard Flashes Despite Costly Mistake in Week 2 Loss
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard led the team with 35 receiving yards on four receptions in a 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Bernard stepped up with veteran Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) sidelined, earning eight targets from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, good for second among Steelers pass-catchers. Unfortunately, things weren't all positive for the rookie, as a costly red-zone drop resulted in an interception with Pittsburgh attempting to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter. Nonetheless, with DK Metcalf off to a slow start, it wouldn't be surprising if Bernard continues to see opportunities, especially if Pittman misses additional time. The 22-year-old will look to build on this performance in a Week 3 clash with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
DK Metcalf's Fantasy Value Takes Another Hit in Week 2
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf secured four of his nine targets for 27 yards in a 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Metcalf wasn't the only Steeler to struggle on Sunday, but his performance unfortunately stood out for the wrong reasons, as he had multiple drops in the second half. Through two games this season, Metcalf has been the clear favorite target of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Still, he was unable to capitalize on a significant opportunity with Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) sidelined and was out-produced by rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard and third-year pro Roman Wilson. Until the Steelers' offense shows signs of life, Metcalf will be difficult to trust in fantasy lineups. He'll look to get back on track in Week 3 against a surging Cincinnati Bengals defense.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Germie Bernard Potentially in Line For Bigger Role in Week 2
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wideout Germie Bernard could be in line for a bigger role with teammate Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) out for their Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots. Pittman was a limited participant early in the week before missing the team's final two practices. With Pittman out, this gives their second-round rookie an opportunity for an expanded role. Bernard is a versatile receiver who can play all three receiver spots and can be deployed out of the backfield as a pass-catcher and running back. He excelled on quick routes at Alabama, which lines up with Aaron Rodgers. Last season, Rodgers had one of the fastest average times to throw (2.56 seconds) and one of the fewest completed air yards (1,203) in the league. Bernard was a pro-ready prospect and could be Rodgers' go-to target over the middle of the field on Sunday.
Source: Steelers.com
Source: Steelers.com
DK Metcalf's Stock Gets Another Boost
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf already opened the season as Aaron Rodgers' busiest target, and his path to another heavy workload got clearer Saturday. Michael Pittman Jr. has been ruled out for Sunday's game against New England because of a foot injury after missing practice Thursday and Friday. Pittman caught all three of his targets for 58 yards in Week 1 and ran a route on 92.9% of Pittsburgh's dropbacks. Metcalf had already drawn 10 targets in the opener, good for a 27% target share, despite finishing with only four catches for 40 yards. Pittsburgh will have to redistribute Pittman's snaps and routes, but there is no guarantee those chances all flow to Metcalf. He was already the clear volume leader before the injury. Now one of the other receivers who rarely left the field in Week 1 is unavailable. That is enough to give Metcalf's fantasy stock another bump heading into Sunday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Pittman Jr. Ruled Out for Week 2
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at New England, according to Ian Rapoport. Pittman opened the week limited Wednesday, then did not practice Thursday or Friday before initially being listed as questionable. He caught all three of his targets for 58 yards in Pittsburgh's 20-13 win over Atlanta and ran a route on 92.9% of the team's dropbacks. DK Metcalf remains the clear top option, but Pittman's absence leaves more work behind him. Roman Wilson played 37 offensive snaps in the opener, compared with just three for rookie Germie Bernard. Both could see their roles grow Sunday with Pittman unavailable.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Michael Pittman Jr. Facing Difficult Matchup, Injury Concerns in Week 2
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) is officially questionable to play in his team's Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots. Pittman Jr. was held out of practice on both Thursday and Friday due to a foot injury, so he may be a true game-time decision on Sunday. The 28-year-old had an underwhelming game in Pittsburgh's Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons, recording three catches for 58 yards on three targets. While Pittman Jr. profiles as the WR2 in Pittsburgh alongside DK Metcalf, he was sixth on the team in targets in Week 1. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a penchant for throwing the ball to his running backs, which could hurt Pittman Jr.'s ability to make a consistent fantasy impact. New England also fielded a stingy pass defense in 2025, ranking as a top-10 unit in terms of both total passing yards and yards per pass attempt allowed. Even if Pittman Jr. is active, he profiles as a borderline deep-league flex option for fantasy managers in Week 2.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Roman Wilson Could See Additional Looks in Week 2
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson flashed some upside in Week 1 with three catches for 26 yards on six targets. It nearly turned into a much bigger day for Wilson, who received multiple opportunities downfield and almost came down with a contested deep ball in the end zone. He'll hope to maintain a steady role in Week 2 on the road against the New England Patriots. The Patriots were solid defensively both last season and in Week 1, and given the low projected point total for Sunday's contest, fantasy managers shouldn't consider Wilson in starting lineups. However, with Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) questionable to suit up, Wilson becomes an intriguing bench stash in deeper redraft formats. The third-year pro's chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers should continue to develop, making his usage worth monitoring this weekend.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can DK Metcalf Turn Featured Role Into Production Against Patriots?
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf was heavily utilized in the team's Week 1 win and should continue to see plenty of opportunities against the New England Patriots in Week 2. Although Metcalf finished with just four receptions for 40 yards on 10 targets against the Falcons, he played 96% of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps, earned a 25% team target share, and ended the week with the second-most air yards in the NFL. Simply put, if Metcalf's usage in the season opener sticks, he should have one of the most fantasy-friendly roles in the league this season. The bigger question is whether he can capitalize on that opportunity, as he could struggle against a stingy Patriots defense that held opposing wideouts to the 13th-fewest fantasy points last year. Metcalf's fantasy outlook could also be impacted by the availability of teammate Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), who hasn't practiced since Wednesday. The 28-year-old appears locked in as Pittsburgh's WR1, putting him on the fantasy radar as a WR3 or flex option in a tough matchup. However, he'll become an even more enticing fantasy option if Pittman is sidelined.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Pittman Jr. Questionable for Week 2
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) is listed as questionable for the team's Week 2 tilt on the road against the New England Patriots on Sunday, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Pittman was listed as limited in practice on Wednesday before he picked up DNP tags for the last two days. The 28-year-old former second-rounder from USC could end up being a game-time decision on Sunday, but if he plays, the Steelers could limit his snaps, making him a truly volatile WR4/flex play for fantasy managers in Week 2. Pittman made his debut with the Steelers in the Week 1 season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons and caught a modest three passes on three targets for 58 yards without finding the end zone. DK Metcalf could be peppered with targets from quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Sunday if Pittman sits, which would make him basically a must-start in fantasy lineups. Behind Pittman, both Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard would see bigger roles as well. Tight end Pat Freiermuth is becoming a more appealing TE2 streamer in fantasy, especially now that Pittman is banged up and could miss this weekend's game.
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Michael Pittman Jr. Not Seen Stretching on Friday
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) was not seen during the stretching period of practice open to the media on Friday, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Pittman did not practice on Thursday due to a foot injury and was limited on Wednesday. He could still return to the practice field on Friday, but as of right now, the veteran wideout is looking extremely questionable to play in the Week 2 game this Sunday against the New England Patriots. The former second-rounder in 2020 from USC by the Indianapolis Colts caught all three of his targets for 58 yards in his team debut in the Week 1 season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons last weekend, but he might be on the cusp of missing his first game of the year in 2026. Fantasy managers should be checking back for Pittman's final status on Friday's injury report. If he does not play or is limited in any way this weekend, DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, and rookie Germie Bernard would be in line for more targets, as well as tight end Pat Freiermuth. Pittman is shaping up as a pretty risky WR4/flex play for fantasy managers this week.
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Germie Bernard Faces Uphill Battle to Earn a Meaningful Role
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard generated plenty of buzz in fantasy football leagues near the end of the summer. The rookie finished his first NFL preseason with five catches, 64 yards, and one touchdown, showing an ability to produce against professional defenses. However, he didn't have a very seamless transition to the regular season. The 22-year-old played just 4% of the snaps in Week 1 and was not targeted. He operated behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., as expected, but he also played fewer snaps than Roman Wilson. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw the ball 40 times in the Steelers' win, but if Bernard can't even get on the field, he'll have no chance to build a rapport with the veteran quarterback. He's off the radar in all redraft leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DK Metcalf Will Continue to be Fed the Football
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf only caught four of the 10 passes that quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw his way for 40 yards in the team's Week 1 season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons, but that is not going to stop Rodgers from feeding Metcalf, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. In addition to the dropped passes, Metcalf was flagged twice for offensive pass interference. "I'm not worried about DK at all, man," Rodgers said. "I love DK. He's one of my closest friends on the team, and I'm going to keep feeding him." DeFabo points out that the Metcalf-Rodgers connection is "one of the most important relationships" on the team. The duo must improve upon their weak season-opening performance on Sunday if they want to make any noise in 2026. Going into the Week 2 matchup in New England against the Patriots, Metcalf should be viewed as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3/flex with a potentially bigger target share if Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) is limited or out. Pittman was limited in practice on Wednesday and was held out on Thursday.
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Michael Pittman Jr. Not Spotted at Thursday's Practice
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) was not seen during the media accessible portion of Thursday's practice after being listed as limited with a foot issue on Wednesday. Pittman caught all three of his targets for 58 yards in his team debut, but saw less involvement than initially projected in a surprisingly downfield-heavy game plan. The Steelers face the Patriots on Sunday, who boast one of the league's strongest secondaries but can be beaten in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field, with a thin core of linebackers better suited to play downhill than in coverage. If Pittman is able to suit up in Week 2, he could provide sneaky value from the flex, but his status will need to be monitored as he appears to be trending in the wrong direction. UPDATE: SteelersNow.com's Alan Saunders reports that Pittman was officially a DNP on Thursday, putting his status in question for Week 2 against the Patriots.
Source: Alan Saunders
Source: Alan Saunders
DK Metcalf's Week 1 Volume Sends Stock Up
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf didn't do much with his chances in Week 1, finishing with four catches for 40 yards against Atlanta. The encouraging part was how often Aaron Rodgers looked his way. Metcalf drew 10 targets and accounted for 27% of Pittsburgh's targets, up from 19% last season. He also stayed on the field for everything but the final kneel-downs. The Steelers weren't just feeding him short throws, either. Metcalf averaged more than 20 air yards per target, and Pittsburgh repeatedly took shots to him downfield. Michael Pittman Jr. saw three targets, Pat Freiermuth had five, and Roman Wilson had six. That makes the 40-yard final line easier to live with. Metcalf still has to turn those chances into production, especially after a down 2025, but Week 1 gave fantasy managers something they didn't have much of last year: heavy volume. Ten targets from Rodgers is enough to move his stock up heading into Week 2.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
