Before the Pittsburgh Steelers traded up in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Germie Bernard, they traded with the Indianapolis Colts for Michael Pittman Jr. With DK Metcalf as the go-to option and Roman Wilson impressing early at Steelers training camp, there weren't many opportunities for Bernard to carve out full-time duties with the first-team offense.
However, the misfortune of the team also serves as a golden opportunity for Bernard to shine.
During Saturday evening practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium, Pittman was hobbled. A right leg injury prevented him from returning to the field. When Week 3 of training camp kicked off on Monday, both Pittman and Metcalf watched from the sidelines (this could have just been a day off for Metcalf).
It doesn't appear that Pittman's injury is significant, but it's big enough to keep him out of action with his team for at least a few days. And with the Steelers' starting receivers sidelined, Bernard stepped into a go-to role with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the first-team offense.
Germie Bernard gets added reps with Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers' first-team offense
Mike McCarthy noted on Monday that Bernard should see more reps during practice, with Pittman getting banged up during the Saturday Night Lights practice, per Nick Farabaugh of PennLive. Sadly, we didn't get to see much of Bernard on Monday as the weather shortened practice and players were forced to head inside.
But even though practice was happening beyond our view at the indoor facility, Bernard still got added looks with Rodgers and the starting offense.
With Monday's practice in the books, the Steelers have just one training camp practice on Tuesday before a day of rest on Wednesday in preparation for the team's first preseason game. If McCarthy and the Steelers play it cautious with Pittman, the veteran receiver might not return to the field until next week.
This means that Bernard could get another full practice as a starting outside receiver with the first-team offense. It could also mean that the rookie second-round pick is on track to start in Pittsburgh's preseason opener at home against the Green Bay Packers.
In all likelihood, this is just a short window of opportunity for Bernard to showcase his skills with the starting offense and build chemistry with Rodgers. But sometimes that's all it takes for a player to catch on.
From a 'glass half full' perspective, this might be the best-case scenario for the Steelers. Germie Bernard gets added valuable first-team reps while the team is merely being cautious with a banged-up Michael Pittman Jr. We'll soon find out if Bernard can take advantage.
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