Who Can Take the Receiving Weight If Pittman Jr. Can’t Play?

The Steelers enter Sunday with a pressing question: where does Aaron Rodgers turn if Michael Pittman Jr. isn’t available? Pittman’s Week 1 efficiency — three catches on three targets for 58 yards — gave Pittsburgh a steady intermediate threat who kept the offense on schedule.

With Pittman Jr. not practicing Thursday due to a foot injury, this unfortunately makes him very doubtful for the matchup against New England, and that forces Rodgers to rethink his target hierarchy in a hurry.

The most natural pivot is tight end Pat Freiermuth. He was Rodgers’ most dependable option in the win over Atlanta, catching all five of his targets for 46 yards and a touchdown. Freiermuth’s ability to win quickly, settle into soft zones, and provide Rodgers with rhythm throws makes him the closest thing to guaranteed production. When the perimeter becomes unstable, Rodgers historically leans on tight ends who can reset the offense, and Freiermuth fits that role perfectly.

But Pittsburgh still needs someone to stretch the field, and that’s where DK Metcalf comes in. His Week 1 line — four receptions on 10 targets for 40 yards — was frustrating, but the volume shows Rodgers still trusts him to win outside. With Pittman Jr. potentially sidelined, Metcalf becomes the only true X receiver on the roster. Expect Rodgers to give him early chances to reestablish timing, while rookies Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard rotate into expanded roles.

Bernard, in particular, is the sleeper who could quietly become Sunday’s storyline. His pacing, route discipline, and comfort in the intermediate game make him the closest stylistic replacement for Pittman Jr. Wilson brings burst and separation, but Bernard brings structure — the kind Rodgers gravitates toward.

If Pittman Jr. sits, the Steelers’ passing game likely funnels through Freiermuth for stability, Metcalf for explosiveness, and Bernard for the reliable spacing that keeps drives alive.