Steelers Rule Out WR Michael Pittman Jr. for Week 2 vs. Patriots

Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will miss the Steelers' Week 2 matchup against the Patriots after being downgraded with a foot injury.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have downgraded wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to out for their Week 2 game against the New England Patriots. According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, the starter is sidelined with a foot injury after failing to practice on Thursday or Friday. Pittman initially appeared on the Wednesday practice report as a limited participant. This marks the second starter ruled out for the contest, joining cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who is sidelined by a back injury sustained during Thursday's practice.

Pittman, acquired via trade from the Indianapolis Colts this offseason, previously missed a portion of training camp following an injury at the team's August 8 practice in Latrobe. In the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, the receiver caught all three of his targets for 58 yards. His absence leaves the Steelers without a target who helped draw coverage away from lead receiver DK Metcalf during Week 1.

With Pittman unavailable, rookie Germie Bernard is expected to see an increased workload. The second-round pick out of Alabama played only three snaps in the season opener. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers noted on September 2 that the young pass catcher has shown growth and a lack of repeat mistakes throughout the preseason. The Steelers travel to Foxborough to face the Patriots following a Week 1 victory.