Michael

Pittman

This was always though to be the case, with the team’s decision to keep only six receivers through cuts Sunday seemingly backing that notion up. Pryor adds that the teams is expected to “ease in” both Metcalf and Pittman, but it certainly sounds as if each receiver will be on the field in less than two weeks for Week 1.

Pittman and fellow receiver DK Metcalf both returned to practice on Monday after being sidelined since August 8th due to undisclosed injuries. Both players expect to be ready to go for Week 1’s game against the Falcons in a few weeks, and Monday’s return suggests they’re will on track to playing when the games officially count.

Pittman has been sidelined for a week and a half. According to Penn Live’s Nick Farabaugh, Pittman is only dealing with a minor hamstring strain, though. The veteran wide receiver currently profiles as a borderline WR3/FLEX this year, playing for a new team for the first time in his career.

Both receivers are set to miss the Steelers’ upcoming preseason game against the Jets with undisclosed injuries. Without both starting wide receivers, you can expect Aaron Rodgers to sit out as well. Without much practice time remaining, the next time we see the Steelers’ starting offense very well may be in the regular season.

Pittman exited Saturday’s practice with an apparent leg injury and was not on the field for Monday’s session. Speaking with the media, head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Pittman was injured on Saturday but didn’t discuss how long he may be out. For now, we’ll assume this is something minor, but hopefully we’ll have more details to provide soon.

Pittman was seen talking to trainers after leaving the field. They were seemingly focused on his right leg. Pittman has a chance to lead the team in targets, operating as a short-to-intermediate threat while WR DK Metcalf frequently stretches the field. The Steelers have the day off on Sunday and are scheduled to resume practicing on Monday. If he’s back in action then, this is likely a non-issue.

This of course assumes Rodgers, 42, will return for another season under center for the Steelers, now coached by Rodgers’ former Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy. The Steelers acquired Pittman from the Colts on Monday. Rodgers, DeFabo said, “seems to prefer veterans who understand the nuances of route running, how to read coverages and what it takes to prepare for an opponent. Pittman, a solid possession receiver who slots in as a No. 2 behind [DK] Metcalf, checks a lot of those boxes.” Pittman, entering his age-29 season, last season had a career low yards after the catch per reception, reeling in 80 balls on 110 targets as Alec Pierce emerged as Indy’s No. 1 wideout. If the Steelers offense is pass heavy enough Pittman could hold some value in deeper PPR formats in 2026.

Aaron Rodgers’ new No. 2 receiver figures to fit in well in Mike McCarthy’s West Coast system. Because we’re expecting the Steelers to throw less in 2026 than the Colts did, Pittman Jr. probably profiles best as a WR4 going forward. It’s still a huge upgrade for the Steelers on a position where they were desperately trying to find bodies that Rodgers approved of towards the end of 2025. Adam Schefter reports the Steelers will sign Pittman Jr. to a three-year, $59 million extension as part of the trade. The $24 million cap savings for the Colts are the main benefit — it also helps solidify Alec Pierce as the team’s No. 1 receiver and elevates Josh Downs into a bigger role in 2026.

Pittman Jr’s return to the Colts seemed to hinge on Alec Pierce leaving in free agency. With that cap space now thoroughly allocated, it would not be a surprised if Pittman was traded or released in the coming hours or days. It should be noted Chris Ballard did not seem to give an inch on the idea of keeping Pittman when asked about it at the combine, but his cap hit will almost assuredly have to come down if he’s going to stay in Indianapolis.

Boyd predicts (but doesn’t report) that Pierce will leave in free agency, and projects a quick pivot that would include Michael Pittman staying with the team and the Colts chasing another receiver to replace Pierce outside. Shaheed does fit the need for speed even if he doesn’t exactly have the contested-catch ability that Pierce leads with. Shaheed has already been linked to the Commanders, Bills, and Raiders this offseason — though the Bills have since traded for DJ Moore.