Intriguing Steelers Prediction Hints At A Role For Max Hurleman Over Others

The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently being affected by an injury plague at the wide receiver position. The team traded for Michael Pittman Jr. during the 2026 offseason, with the expectation of him being a reliable No. 2 option. This has not been the case, as Pittman Jr. has dealt with injuries and is now on Injured Reserve. Breakout candidate Roman Wilson went down with a dislocated finger during Pittsburgh's Week 5 game. He is expected to miss a couple of weeks, and his absence, along with Pittman Jr.'s, leaves a large hole at the wide receiver position.

While the team has struggled to find reliable depth at the wide receiver position for multiple seasons, No. 1 wide receiver DK Metcalf has not done enough to pick up the slack. He has dealt with his own issues, putting his status as a higher-end NFL wide receiver in question. Pittsburgh desperately needs help at wide receiver before the situation worsens.

Rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard has shown plenty of flashes, seemingly earning quarterback Aaron Rodgers' trust during the Steelers' Week 5 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts in which Bernard recorded 6 receptions on 9 targets. Bernard is in line for a massive workload as Pittsburgh continues to deal with issues at the wide receiver position. Whether the team can rely on a rookie to take on this role just five games into his NFL career is another question.

The Steelers have reportedly been searching for help at wide receiver via trade or a free-agent signing. Several potential targets have been mentioned, but no deal has been finalized yet. Pittsburgh could already have a potential solution on the roster, though. Second-year player Max Hurleman currently resides on the Steelers' practice squad, and there is a good chance he is elevated to the active roster ahead of the team's Week 6 contest with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

During a recent episode of Kaboly + Mack Live, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly spoke highly of Hurleman and what he could bring to the team.

"I think Hurleman can help," Kaboly stated. "He looked really good in last year's preseason and I think he is miles ahead of [Kaden] Wetjen as a receiver. Maybe he is a guy that could provide 15 snaps if needed. He is a tough working, dynamic kind of player. I think he will be elevated soon."

Although Hurleman has very little experience in the NFL, never recording a regular season snap, he could surely provide a warm body at the very least. Pittsburgh's wide receiver room lacks serious depth and experience, but there is minimal risk in giving the second-year player a shot at playing some meaningful snaps.

While it seems likely that the Steelers will add another wide receiver to the roster in the coming weeks, Hurleman has been with the team longer than anyone Pittsburgh may acquire. His familiarity with the system and experience catching passes from the team's quarterbacks in practice could be beneficial. It will be interesting to see whether Hurleman is elevated and whether Pittsburgh pursues another wide receiver.

Steelers' Tight Ends Could See A Major Workload

With injuries mounting at the wide receiver position, Head Coach Mike McCarthy could lean heavily on the tight end group in the passing game to fill the void left by Pittman Jr. and Wilson. Tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington are both reliable pass catchers who offer distinct skill sets to the offense. Both players have seemingly gained Rodgers' trust, as they are frequently involved in the passing game, even when all of the wide receivers are healthy. 

Steelers fans should expect both players to have plenty of opportunities in the coming weeks as the Steelers nurse their injuries at the wideout position. 

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