Steelers Fans Receive Devastating Update Regarding Michael Pittman Jr's Return

The Pittsburgh Steelers' front office currently looks like geniuses given how their team has performed through eight games. They're currently dominating the trenches on both sides of the ball thanks to their heavy investment in the groups. Even some free-agent acquisitions have contributed heavily, with Jamel Dean and Rico Dowdle carving out nice roles on the team. Though perhaps their most important offseason addition, Michael Pittman Jr. has been the most disappointing. 

After the 2024 and 2025 seasons, when the team severely lacked talent at wide receiver, General Manager Omar Khan finally made a big move at the position. With a late-round pick swap, he acquired Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts and inked him to a two-year, $35 million extension. Pittman, who's always been a solid player, would now play with Aaron Rodgers and help out DK Metcalf. 

Pittman suffered a foot injury in the offseason that has affected his season. Through eight games, he's been a complete non-factor. After placing the former Colts standout on injured reserve (IR) on October 10th, fans have been anticipating the pass catcher's return. 

One argument against Pittsburgh trading for another wide receiver is that they have already tried that route with Pittman. While the notion is that he is expected to return at some point this season, insider Mark Kaboly believes otherwise. He recently said on his show, Kaboly and Mack, that the organization has no idea whether Pittman will return this season. 

"Pittman's a wild card, but I tell you what, if you think they're saying, 'I'm getting Michael Pittman back in three weeks,' you might not be happy by the results," Kaboly stated. "There's zero chance that they know right now if he's coming back or not."

Pittman was supposed to be a reliable middle-of-the-field target who can beat man coverage, and that simply hasn't happened. Although he's proven to be a good player, Kaboly believes the organization cannot rely on his return to fix its wide receiver issues. 

Pittsburgh doesn't need to trade for a superstar wide receiver, just a player who can contribute and beat man coverage. Josh Downs is a name that fans in Steeler Nation have floated around a ton, and for good reason. Even with the Colts' steep asking price, it could be a trade well worth it. 

The organization has a lot of money tied to its wide receivers and it's understandable as to why they might be picky in who they pursue, if anyone at all. That's what makes Downs the perfect target. He's a free agent after the season, and Pittsburgh would not have any ties to him. He'd be a rental that they could re-sign if they want, or let walk. 

Brian Thomas Jr. is the other popular name, as he has fallen out of favor with the coaching staff in Jacksonville. Thomas is only two years removed from his monster rookie season and still has a first-round pedigree, but would be more expensive. He would also complicate things next season, as they would have four pass catchers under contract. 

Steelers Can't Sit On Their Hands

The 2026 season has been declared as Rodgers' final campaign, and sitting at 6-2, they need to help him out. As Kaboly mentioned, they have no clue whether Pittman will play another snap this season and need to put their eggs in a different basket. They must go out and acquire either Downs or Thomas, or another viable weapon on offense. 

The offense will get Roman Wilson back in the near future, but he's proven unreliable throughout his career. He serves better as a third or fourth option. The organization has plenty of draft capital through the next two drafts to make a trade now, even if it's an overpay. 

Who do you think the Steelers should try to acquire? Follow us for more news!

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