Michael Pittman Jr. Missed Practices With Foot Injury
The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver sat out consecutive practice sessions due to an ongoing foot injury.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Football
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. missed practice on Thursday and Friday after being limited on Wednesday. The team is currently evaluating its wide receiver depth following the injury update.
Why it matters
The team must determine how to manage its passing attack as it prepares for an upcoming matchup against the New England Patriots. Journalists have suggested the club consider adding a veteran presence to the roster.
In his standout 2018 season, free agent candidate JuJu Smith-Schuster recorded 111 receptions, 1,426 yards, and 7 touchdowns. Current roster member Roman Wilson saw 6 targets in Week 1, while Germie Bernard participated in 3 offensive snaps.
The players
Michael Pittman Jr.
He is a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers who is currently managing a foot injury.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
He is a veteran wide receiver and free agent who previously played for the Steelers for five seasons.
Roman Wilson
He is a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver expected to see an increased role in the offense.
Germie Bernard
He is a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver who played limited snaps in the team's season opener.
The details
With Pittman Jr. sidelined, the Steelers are looking at other options, including potentially pursuing free agent JuJu Smith-Schuster, who was released by the New York Giants in June 2026. Internal roster options like Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard are expected to take on increased roles.
Timeline
JuJu Smith-Schuster played for the Steelers from 2017 to 2021.
Smith-Schuster made his only career Pro Bowl in 2018.
The New York Giants released JuJu Smith-Schuster in June 2026.
Roman Wilson received six targets in Week 1 2026.
The Steelers play the New England Patriots in Week 2 of September 2026.
The Big Picture
This situation highlights the NFL's constant balancing act between nurturing developing draft picks and reintegrating proven veterans. The team's evaluation of the wide receiver room reflects the broader industry trend of adjusting rosters on the fly to meet immediate injury-related needs.
Fantasy managers and fans should monitor the target distribution for Roman Wilson, who logged six targets in the season opener. Expect Germie Bernard to receive additional offensive snaps if Pittman Jr. is unable to suit up for the Sunday matchup.
The takeaway
Sudden injury reports often force coaching staffs to accelerate the development of younger players in the rotation. Teams frequently weigh the benefits of promoting from within against the risks of signing veteran free agents mid-season.
Further reading
For more on the current team roster and depth charts, visit Pittsburgh Football.
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Should your local football team prioritize signing veteran free agents over developing young roster talent?
