The Pittsburgh Steelers ruled Joey Porter Jr. out for Sunday and listed Michael Pittman Jr. and Troy Fautanu as questionable on their final Week 2 injury report. If Pittman is limited or out, the Steelers will need more from Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard.
The official injury report shows Pittman didn’t practice Thursday or Friday because of his foot injury. Fautanu progressed from no practice Wednesday to limited work Thursday and full participation Friday, although Friday’s walkthrough statuses were estimates. After personal days and a rest day, Darnell Washington and Cameron Heyward returned to full practice and carry no game designations.
Player | Position | Injury | Wed. | Thurs. | Fri. | Game status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Michael Pittman Jr. | WR | Foot | LP | DNP | DNP | QUESTIONABLE |
Joey Porter Jr. | CB | NIR/Conditioning/Back | LP | LP | LP | OUT |
Troy Fautanu | OT | Ankle | LP | LP | FP | QUESTIONABLE |
Darnell Washington | TE | NIR/Personal | DNP | DNP | FP | - |
Cameron Heyward | DT | NIR/Rest | - | DNP | FP | - |
Questionable keeps the door open for Pittman, but Friday’s DNP came from an estimated walkthrough report rather than a full practice. An actual Thursday absence followed by another listed DNP still makes his availability less certain than the designation suggests. Pittsburgh should prepare for him to sit or potentially lighten the load.
New England Patriots can squeeze DK Metcalf if the Pittsburgh Steelers are without Michael Pittman Jr.
Pittman supplies the sturdy intermediate target who works between DK Metcalf’s vertical routes and the tight ends underneath. Without him, New England can shade more coverage toward Metcalf and dare Pittsburgh’s younger receivers to sustain drives.
Wilson is the obvious first replacement given his more veteran status. He played 37 offensive snaps against Atlanta and caught three of six targets for 26 yards. Aaron Rodgers already showed he’ll look Wilson’s way. Pittsburgh would need fewer empty targets and more dependable work on timing routes.
Rookie Germie Bernard played only three offensive snaps in the opener. His preseason work showed useful run-after-catch ability, but that role hasn’t followed him into the regular season. Pittman’s absence would be a good reason to get the rookie more touches and see what he can do.
Fautanu’s full participation helps the passing game, too. If his ankle holds up in pregame warm-ups, Pittsburgh can avoid another shuffle while testing its tackle depth. Keeping Dylan Cook at right tackle gives Rodgers a better chance to wait for Wilson or Bernard to uncover.
Washington’s return gives the tackles blocking help and Rodgers another big target over the middle. His blocking and receiving role becomes more valuable if Pittman can’t go.
Porter’s absence is no surprise after his extended ramp-up and his back designation returning on Thursday. Porter still doesn’t have a new deal, but the Steelers ruled him out because of his conditioning and back. Pittsburgh’s secondary survived without him against Atlanta, though Drake Maye is a tougher assignment than Cooper Rush.
The Steelers may get Fautanu back, but that only solves half the problem. If Pittman sits, Wilson or Bernard must give Rodgers a second receiver New England respects -- when neither has earned it.
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