The Pittsburgh Steelers have ruled Michael Pittman Jr. out for Sunday’s Week 2 game against the New England Patriots because of a foot injury, removing the receiver who gave Aaron Rodgers his cleanest production in the opener. Pittman moved from questionable on Friday’s injury report to out Saturday afternoon, a late downgrade confirmed in the updated team injury report.
Pittman caught all three of his targets for a team-high 58 yards against Atlanta, including 21- and 28- yard gains. DK Metcalf needed 10 targets to produce four catches for 40 yards, while Roman Wilson caught three of six for 26. Pittman also played 88 percent of the offensive snaps, so this isn’t a specialty role disappearing. New England can devote more help to Metcalf and challenge Pittsburgh’s younger receivers to handle Pittman’s starter-level workload.
Germie Bernard should get the first new package, even if Wilson absorbs more of Pittman’s total snaps. The second-round rookie played only three offensive snaps in Week 1, which made the early call for a larger Bernard role easy to understand. Mike McCarthy doesn’t need to hand Bernard every boundary route. Motion, slants, screens, and quick crossers would give him touches without asking him to become Pittman overnight.
Pittsburgh Steelers should answer Michael Pittman Jr.’s absence with variety
Wilson is the safest bet for more snaps after playing 37 in the opener, and I’d expect more of those reps outside. Moving him toward the boundary lets Bernard manufacture touches more easily.
That alignment also keeps Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington central to the plan when Pittsburgh shifts into 12 personnel. Washington’s blocking and Freiermuth’s route-running skills can keep the Patriots from selling out against either the run or Metcalf. Those two-tight-end groups let Pittsburgh change its intentions without changing players.
The Foxborough forecast calls for a cool afternoon with shower chances increasing as the game goes on. Pittsburgh won't junk its passing game over a forecast, but a wet ball strengthens the case for quick throws, heavier personnel, and fewer low-percentage sideline shots.
Pittman’s absence is a real loss, but not a reason to panic -- yet. Pittsburgh invested a second-round pick in Bernard and spent two seasons waiting for Wilson to become dependable. If Bernard gets another three-snap afternoon, the Steelers will have ignored the receiver depth they built for exactly this kind of injury.
Add us as a preferred source on Google