Steelers Running Out of Wide Receiver Options After Latest Injury Setbacks

With news that Roman Wilson is expected to miss a couple of weeks after suffering a hand injury against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers have few options remaining at wide receiver.

Earlier this week, reports indicated that veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is also expected to miss multiple weeks with a foot injury. Meanwhile, the ever-reliable Ben Skowronek suffered a calf injury in Sunday's win over the Colts, placing his availability for this weekend's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in doubt.

As things stand, the Steelers have just four healthy receivers on the active roster: DK Metcalf, rookies Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen, and Brandon Smith. Beyond that group, Pittsburgh has three receivers on the practice squad: Isaiah Hodgins, Max Hurleman, who is eligible to return from injured reserve, and Brandon Johnson.

What places the Steelers in a difficult position is the fact that there are few alternatives beyond the players already in the organisation. The most immediate solution could be either Hodgins or Johnson. Both bring NFL experience and would be natural candidates for elevation if the Steelers need additional depth on game day. Hodgins has appeared in 31 career games, recording 70 receptions and eight touchdowns, while Johnson has shown flashes as a vertical threat and special teams contributor. Given the team's familiarity with both players and the limited time available before Sunday's matchup, promoting one or both receivers may be Pittsburgh's most practical short-term move.

Outside the confines of the Steelers' roster, some have proposed the idea of bringing back a familiar and popular face in veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster, who worked out with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.

However, opportunities to add proven receiving talent from outside the organisation appear limited. With Marvin Harrison Jr. having been traded to the Houston Texans, the pool of available veteran receivers has become even thinner. At this stage of the season, Pittsburgh may ultimately have little choice but to rely on internal promotions and hope its remaining healthy receivers can shoulder an increased workload until reinforcements return.