NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers
Sep 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Pittsburgh Steelers just received a significant injury blow ahead of Sunday’s NFL matchup against the New England Patriots.
Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has been downgraded to out with a foot injury, meaning Aaron Rodgers will be without one of his most important offensive weapons for the Week 2 matchup.
The #Steelers have downgraded WR Michael Pittman Jr. to out for Sunday's game with a foot injury.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 19, 2026
Pittman led Pittsburgh with 58 receiving yards in his Steelers debut and caught all three of his targets.
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Pittman’s absence puts more pressure on DK Metcalf
NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers
Sep 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) runs following a catch against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Pittman’s absence could have a major impact on how the Patriots defend Pittsburgh’s passing attack. The veteran receiver was expected to complement DK Metcalf and give Rodgers another reliable option on the outside.
Instead, Metcalf is likely to draw even more attention from New England’s secondary, particularly from shutdown corner Christian Gonzalez. Pittman ran the second-most routes among Steelers receivers in Week 1 and led the team in receiving yards, making his absence particularly notable.
Metcalf struggled with drops during Pittsburgh’s Week 1 victory over Atlanta, so the Steelers will need a much better performance from their offseason addition if the passing game is going to remain effective.
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Steelers will need other receivers to step up
NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers
Sep 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (14) jumps for a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
With Pittman out, Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard should see more snaps. Bernard played only three offensive snaps in Week 1, but his role could increase significantly against New England.
The Steelers also have Pat Freiermuth and their running backs available as potential safety valves for Rodgers. Still, losing Pittman removes a proven veteran from an offense already working through uncertainty.
Pittsburgh enters Sunday’s game against a Patriots team desperate to avoid a 0-2 start. With Pittman out and star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. also out, both sides will be dealing with key absences.