Pittman’s Absence Has Major Silver Lining For Steelers
Michael Pittman Jr.’s appearance on the injury report likely evoked some PTSD among Pittsburgh Steelers fans who remember the team’s struggles to find a reliable No. 2 wide receiver. Yet his absence will offer a major silver lining: it gives rookie Germie Bernard a chance to earn Aaron Rodgers’ trust.
Rodgers pumped the brakes on expectations for Bernard as a rookie, which you don’t often see in the NFL. His track record with rookie receivers is well-documented, but Bernard was thought to be among the most pro-ready college receivers coming out of the 2026 NFL Draft.
In Week 1, Bernard got just three snaps on offense, compared to Roman Wilson’s 37. It’ll be hard to prove himself to Rodgers or earn a bigger role with so few opportunities. And frankly, he could find himself a game-day inactive if that’s how little they plan to use him. Then all bets would be off for his rookie season.
Nobody wants Pittman injured, but a one-week absence might not be the worst thing.
The New England Patriots are likely to be without starting CB Carlton Davis III, putting tremendous stress on their secondary and forcing slot defender Marcus Jones into a larger role. The Steelers should be looking to keep them in nickel defense as much as possible to take advantage.
If the preseason was any indication, Bernard is a big play waiting to happen when he gets the ball in his hands. He’s the most naturally talented YAC threat on the team, gaining 46 of his 64 preseason yards and a touchdown after the catch. That included four missed tackles forced on just five receptions.
Bernard doesn’t make repeat mistakes. Rodgers said it himself. The only way to get him past the initial rookie issues is to play him in the game. Three snaps per game won’t cut it. And history tells us they’ll need extra depth down the stretch in December and January.
Regardless of how Rodgers feels about Bernard’s readiness, a play or two in Sunday’s game could go a long way toward earning his trust. Sometimes, all a rookie needs is an opportunity to show what he can do.
