With a revamped offensive unit, a brand new head coach in Mike McCarthy, and the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2026 NFL season with loads of optimism.
Pittsburgh acquired off to an efficient begin in Week 1 towards the Atlanta Falcons. Whereas the win positively was removed from flashy or explosive, the Steelers earned a 20-13 victory over Atlanta.
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Whereas Rodgers performed a clear sport, the offense struggled to seek out consistency because the workforce works by the rising pains that include offseason modifications. One of the necessary additions was huge receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
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The Steelers acquired Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts in March and signed a three-year, $59 million contract extension upon his arrival in Pittsburgh. He made a direct impression within the black and gold, main the workforce in receiving in Week 1 with 58 yards.
A Rising Concern
NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers
Sep 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts through the first quarter towards the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Barry Reeger-Imagn Photographs Credit score: IMAGN IMAGES by way of Reuters Join (Reuters)
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Now lower than three days from the Steelers’ Week 2 matchup with the New England Patriots, Pittman’s standing for the sport has turn out to be a priority. Pittman reportedly handled a foot harm in Wednesday’s follow, making him a restricted participant. He didn’t follow on Thursday. Now, in accordance with Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, Pittman was additionally not seen through the portion of Friday’s follow that was open to the media.
“Didn’t see Michael Pittman Jr. through the stretching interval open to media. He didn’t follow yesterday as a result of a foot harm and was restricted Wednesday,” DeFabo shared on X.
For an offense that already struggled to persistently generate manufacturing in Week 1, probably shedding one in all Rodgers’ high targets would create one other problem towards the Patriots.
A Huge A part of Pittsburgh’s Offense
Pittman spent the primary six seasons of his profession with the Colts, securing a career-high seven touchdowns with 784 yards on 80 receptions final season. Pittman brings a useful body to the Steelers’ offense. Standing at 6-foot-4, his dimension permits him to defend the ball from defenders and make contested catches over the center of the sector.
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With Pittsburgh’s offense already wanting uneven towards Atlanta, taking Pittman out of the lineup would put much more strain on DK Metcalf, who had three drops in Week 1.
If Pittman is unable to go, Rodgers and the Steelers will probably be pressured to belief different targets to supply towards a harmful Patriots protection.
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