Steelers Injury Blow
Steelers Rule Out Wide Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and Cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Pittman had been sidelined for a substantial portion of training camp after apparently suffering an undisclosed injury during Pittsburgh’s Aug. 8 evening practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium.
2
Before joining Pittsburgh, Pittman posted 80 catches for 784 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns in 17 games for Indianapolis in 2025; he also recorded two 1,000-yard seasons during his Colts tenure.
3
Pittman’s absence came after he was traded from the Colts to the Steelers in the offseason, adding significance to the loss of a veteran who had accumulated 485 receptions, 5,254 yards and 25 touchdowns in 95 career games.
4
Aaron Rodgers praised rookie Germie Bernard’s preparation and ability to learn from errors, saying Bernard “hasn't made repeat mistakes” and studies mistakes to ensure he does not repeat them.
5
Before the final decision to rule Pittman out, there were indications the foot issue might not be long-term: he was seen after Friday’s practice without a limp or walking boot, although the Steelers had not provided a return timetable.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without two key defensive and offensive players for Sunday's Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has been ruled out due to a foot injury, while cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is sidelined with a back issue TSN. Pittman was limited in Wednesday's practice before missing the final two days of the week.
Pittman caught three passes for 58 yards in the season opener against Atlanta before suffering the foot injury. The 28-year-old veteran brought 485 career receptions and 5,254 yards to Pittsburgh after being traded from the Indianapolis Colts in the offseason WDEZ.
DK Metcalf Steps Into Starting Role
With Pittman sidelined, DK Metcalf will start at wide receiver alongside Roman Wilson for the Patriots game WDEZ. The Steelers expect to lean heavily on their remaining depth at the position. Tight end Darnell Washington should also see expanded opportunities in Pittsburgh's passing game to make up for Pittman's absence.
Rookie Bernard Gets Major Opportunity After Limited Week 1
Rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard is expected to receive a significantly larger role Sunday after playing just three offensive snaps in Week 1. Aaron Rodgers praised Bernard's work ethic, noting the young receiver "hasn't made repeat mistakes" and studies his errors to avoid repeating them TSN. Bernard's expanded role gives Pittsburgh another option to offset Pittman's absence.
Pittman's Injury History Leading Into Week 2
Pittman was limited during training camp after suffering an undisclosed injury during an August 8 practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. He appeared to recover well enough to play Week 1, but the foot injury sustained during that game has kept him out. After Friday's practice, Pittman was spotted without a limp or walking boot, suggesting the injury may not be long-term WTBX.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
19
Articles
49
Reach
68
A
AnonymousAuthor
