Steelers Should Utilize Interesting Strategy As 2026 Season Starts To Wind Down

The Pittsburgh Steelers exited their bye week at 6-2, but still with a ton of work that needs to be done. Even with injuries piling up around the league, the final nine games to end the season are not exactly easy. The gauntlet starts immediately, as the team has to fight for divisional supremacy against the Cincinnati Bengals, who they beat in Week 3 despite needing 30 points to do so. With how well they have been playing, it wouldn't be surprising to see another shootout on Sunday Night Football.

That will be a lot easier said than done, as starting receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson will end up missing this contest. The former can return from Injured Reserve (IR) this week, but all reports say that he isn't ready. The latter won't be eligible to come off of IR until Week 11, but there have been no updates on his recovery yet. Pittman and Wilson will most likely be back in November, though. 

Once those receivers come back, everything should open up for the Steelers. While making an appearance on The North Shore Drive, insider Ray Fittipaldo brought up an idea to help get this passing game rolling, but only if/when this receiver room gets healthy.

"If you actually take [DK Metcalf] off the field sometimes and he's not always on the field, maybe you leave the other teams guessing a little bit," Fittipaldo said. "You could certainly devise certain groupings where you're playing DK a little, but less than you are now. I'm not saying cut him down to 70%, I'm just saying he doesn't have to be out there for every single snap."

At this point in his career, DK Metcalf has struggled to beat these defensive backs on a consistent basis. There is a blueprint to shut him down, and it has been executed well for the most part. Teams will play press man coverage on him, and the veteran receiver is unable to break through despite his size and strength. It's hard to have an effective passing offense when the WR1 can't get open. 

It doesn't help that Metcalf has struggled to catch the ball effectively. He had some costly drops, including one in Week 8 where he turned a splash play for himself into an interception for the defense. The wideout has struggled to become the reliable weapon that the Steelers expected him to be when they traded for him and gave him a massive extension. Fittipaldo's gameplan could help out with him, though. 

These different looks that the Steelers would show would force the defense to back up. Wilson and Germie Bernard can separate well, so it would be harder to play press man coverage on them. That would give Metcalf more room to work with when he's on the field, which should allow him to get open downfield more often. Of course, this wouldn't work with all the injuries to the position, but come December, this would be a nice idea.

It would also help the younger receivers get more time to establish themselves as long-term starters. Bernard has the ability to be a true WR1 with his route-running ability, so he should eventually get that chance to take over. Wilson could be a deep threat if injury doesn't slow down his development too much. On top of that, Metcalf could get the same effect that an elite teammate has in 2026.

Steelers May Learn From Edge Rushers

The Steelers have been rotating TJ Watt in and out more often throughout the 2026 season. He has only played in 66% of the snaps in the first half of the campaign, but that keeps him fresh for when he's needed. The star edge rusher has forced his way back in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation with a strong return to form. Maybe Metcalf could have a career renaissance as well with fewer snaps.

What do you think about the Steelers giving Metcalf fewer snaps to truly unlock his abilities? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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