The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to move to 5-2 on Sunday with a win over the New Orleans Saints. It was a messy but complete win as the defense played well while the offense was able to move the ball consistently and close out the game in the end. The offense has looked pretty good over the last two weeks despite the fact that the Steelers are relying on two practice squad call-ups as the team's third and fourth wide receiver. The injuries within the group have made the franchise thin at the position, and that will likely continue as Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson are on Injured Reserve (IR).
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (14) celebrates with wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) and center Zach Frazier (54) after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium.
Wilson is on IR with a finger injury, and he has to miss a minimum of the next two games. Pittman's injury seems more severe, and he would have to miss at least one more game, but it seems like he will be out for longer than that. He is dealing with a painful foot injury that has been around in some way since at least July. It is a plantar fasciitis injury for Pittman, which is extremely painful and it is difficult to heal. Local beat reporters and other members of the media have not seemed to be too confident when it comes to the idea of the veteran receiver returning anytime soon.
Beat writer Mark Kaboly went on 93.7 The Fan on Monday morning to discuss the Steelers through the first seven games of the season, and he was eventually asked about the wide receiver position and what Pittman's future might look like. He wasn't very optimistic, and he has been one to suggest that Pittman could miss the rest of the season by getting surgery.
"I'm hearing to stay tuned, it might not be, it doesn't sound promising," Kaboly said. "But you never know."
The Steelers acquired Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts during the 2026 offseason just before the start of free agency. The trade included a late-round pick swap, and Pittsburgh also extended Pittman once the trade was made. The trade was considered a salary dump for the Colts, so it was a great deal for Pittsburgh even if the veteran is forced to miss the remainder of the 2026 season.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Michael Pittman Jr. celebrates while Darnell Washington stands in the background.
Fans want to see Pittman on the field due to the extension he signed in Pittsburgh and since he was an exciting new addition during the offseason, but with a foot injury like this it might be better off for him to just get the surgery and miss more time. He is under contract through the 2028 season, so a surgery now might be pivotal when it comes to him being productive over the next two years of his deal.
Pittman has only played in three games for the Steelers during the 2026 season, and he has caught seven passes for 89 yards. It is important to note that during those games he was also powering through the foot soreness that comes with plantar fasciitis, and that was definitely hindering his performance.
Steelers Should Feel Forced To Acquire Another Wide Receiver
Last week the Steelers signed veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the practice squad, and he of course has a long history with Aaron Rodgers. Valdes-Scantling was with Pittsburgh in the back half of the 2025 season, and he could probably contribute something now, but he doesn't really move the needle. The Steelers need to go after another wide receiver on the trade market just in case. It doesn't even need to be some premier name, Pittsburgh just needs meaningful depth at wide receiver with two starters on IR. A depth body might even be preferable so that Germie Bernard can continue to get exposure.
What do you think is going to happen with Pittman for the rest of the 2026 season? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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