Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. returned to practice on Monday after missing two weeks of camp due to injury.
At some point, Aaron Rodgers will play a game with DK Metcalf and the Steelers’ newest receiving addition, Michael Pittman Jr., available as targets.
It happened early in training camp, but it hasn’t occurred in either of the first two preseason games. And it is not expected to happen Thursday in Buffalo.
Metcalf and Pittman returned to practice this week after being out with undisclosed injuries. And, even though Mike McCarthy has indicated he would not play Rodgers unless both Metcalf and Pittman are on the field, he is unlikely to risk his 42-year-old quarterback in a meaningless preseason game.
Especially when he wants to give young passers Will Howard and Drew Allar as many snaps as possible.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Drew Allar warms up before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Pittsburgh.
“We definitely will focus on those two young guys,” McCarthy said on Tuesday.
For the short term, whatever anticipation has been brewing about the potential impact of the receiving duo will have to wait a couple more weeks.
“We got a lot of talent on offense,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said. “I think we have probably the most talented roster we’ve had since I’ve been here. I’m excited to go out there in the season and get it going.”
Pittman, who was acquired in a March 13 trade with the Indianapolis Colts, can’t wait to get on the field at the same time with Metcalf and Rodgers. It probably won’t happen until the Sept. 13 season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
“This is what we work hard for, and being able to go out there and showcase it is really what this whole thing is about,” the receiver said. “Work is everything that happens from Monday to Saturday, and then Sunday is the fun part of it.”
One thing is certain — the Rodgers-Metcalf connection is strong.
It was the featured part of the passing game in Latrobe and, even with the addition of Pittman, it is expected to carry over into the regular season.
Steelers safety Rayshawn Jenkins pressures Jets quarterback Cade Klubnik during the first half of an NFL football game at Acrisure Stadium, Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, in Pittsburgh.
It was put on hold because of Metcalf’s injury, but he is not concerned about the inactivity. He said he took mental reps during the preseason games he missed against the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets.
“We got three weeks of work, so I think that’s good enough,” Metcalf said. “Just make sure I know the plays, the assignments, for everybody lining up on the field at the same time. I may be getting either position and you just go through the route in my head, what I would do.”
It remains to be seen how Pittman’s presence will impact Metcalf. Will it create more opportunities for Metcalf? Or will it cut into his receiving totals now that the Steelers have a legitimate No. 2 receiver?
“He’s going to have a lot of opportunities for himself this year,” Freiermuth said of Pittman. “I’m excited to see what he does.”
At 6 feet 4 and 223 pounds, Pittman should be the caliber of player who can draw some of the defensive attention away from Metcalf. He averaged 81 catches and 876 receiving yards over his six seasons with the Colts.
Curiously, though, it was a quiet training camp Pittman. He did not get a lot of targets at Saint Vincent College and then was sidelined for two weeks.
“I don’t really look at it like that,” Pittman said. “I just focus on doing my job, and if I do that, then I’m contributing and just putting my best foot forward to help this team win games. But I don’t try to put like too much pressure on it.
“I know what I’m capable of, and I’m confident and excited to do anything that I can do to help this team win.”
Like Metcalf, Pittman is not concerned about missing two weeks of camp — and valuable reps with Rodgers.
“It’s not ideal, but I feel like I’ve played enough football I should be ready to go when the time comes,” he said.
Metcalf, though, was quick to point up the Steelers have more than just two quality receivers. He referenced how Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard have progressed since the start of camp.
“All those guys have really stepped up, taking on like three, four different positions at a time.” Metcalf said. “I tip my hat to them as much as they got on their plate, just to continuously go out there and not have as many [missed assignments].”
First Published: August 25, 2026, 11:33 a.m.