The Pittsburgh Steelers may have another injury situation worth closely monitoring ahead of their upcoming matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was spotted moving through Pittsburgh's locker room on a single-legged scooter during the portion of Wednesday's availability that was open to the media. More concerning, Pittman didn't initially have a shoe or sock covering his left foot and ankle.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) conversing during a training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
There is no reason to immediately assume the worst without an official diagnosis from the Steelers, but the circumstances naturally create questions about Pittman's availability. Pittsburgh is preparing for an important game against Indianapolis, and losing one of its offensive weapons would create another challenge for Aaron Rodgers and the offense. Pittman's situation carries an additional layer of intrigue considering he is preparing to face his former team.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly provided the initial observation from inside Pittsburgh's locker room. Pittman apparently came through the area twice while using the scooter before later being spotted with a boot protecting the same left foot and ankle. Kaboly made sure to note the timing with Indianapolis coming to town.
"Steelers WR Michael Pittman came through the open media portion of the locker room (twice) on a single-legged scooter with his left foot/ankle with no sock or shoe on," Kaboly said. "The Steelers host Pittman's former team on Sunday."
Kaboly later provided another important update.
"He later had a boot on his left ankle/foot," Kaboly said.
That doesn't provide Pittsburgh with any definitive answers regarding Pittman's status, but it's certainly enough to make his health one of the bigger storylines to follow throughout the week.
A walking boot can be used for numerous reasons, and seeing Pittman on a scooter doesn't automatically mean he is dealing with a long-term injury. Until McCarthy or the Steelers provide more information, anything beyond what Kaboly observed would be speculation. The timing still isn't ideal.
Pittsburgh is trying to respond after a difficult loss to the Cleveland Browns, and Rodgers will want as many of his weapons available as possible against Indianapolis. Pittman gives the Steelers another experienced option in the passing game, making any potential absence significant regardless of opponent. There is also the obvious personal element surrounding Sunday's game.
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Former Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. runs with the football as he looks to evade a defender while competing during a road game against the Houston Texans in the 2025 NFL season.
Pittman spent a significant portion of his NFL career with Indianapolis before eventually becoming a Steeler. Facing a former team always generates additional attention, and this matchup was positioned to give Pittman an opportunity to line up against plenty of familiar faces. Now his health could potentially complicate that reunion.
Steelers Face Concern Over Michael Pittman Jr. Before Colts Game
The Steelers should have opportunities throughout the week to provide additional clarity. Practice participation will become particularly important because it can offer a better indication of whether Pittman is trending toward being available Sunday. Until then, Kaboly's observation is the most notable development.
Seeing a player on a single-legged scooter before later appearing in a walking boot will naturally concern Steelers fans. At the same time, Pittsburgh has not yet provided enough information to determine the severity of whatever Pittman is dealing with or whether it will prevent him from playing. That distinction matters.
NFL players frequently deal with injuries throughout the season that require different levels of protection and treatment between games. The presence of a boot can look alarming without necessarily providing an accurate indication of how long a player might be unavailable. Pittsburgh's concern is simply getting Pittman healthy enough to contribute.
Rodgers and the Steelers' passing attack could have an intriguing opportunity against Indianapolis, making the availability of every receiver even more important. Pittman's experience and familiarity with his former organization would only add another interesting element if he is cleared to play. For now, Pittsburgh will have to wait.
Will Michael Pittman Jr. be able to face his former team on Sunday? Follow me on X @anthonyghalkias and let Steeler Nation know.
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