Pittman faces multiple-week absence as Steelers weigh receiving roles

Michael Pittman Jr. is facing another absence after aggravating his foot injury, with Steelers coach Mike McCarthy saying Thursday that the receiver will be out for multiple weeks. Pittsburgh was still evaluating whether to place him on injured reserve.

The injury will keep Pittman from playing against Indianapolis on Sunday, according to local reporting from Steelers Now. It also leaves the Steelers working through how to distribute receiving opportunities behind DK Metcalf, with Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard among the players who could take larger roles.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo relayed McCarthy’s update Thursday morning, identifying the recurrence of the foot problem and leaving the injured-reserve decision open.

Pittman already missed the Week 2 game at New England with a foot injury. He returned for Pittsburgh’s next two games, catching two passes for 16 yards against Cincinnati and two for 15 yards at Cleveland. The Steelers’ official player record lists seven receptions for 89 yards across his three appearances this season.

That start has limited the impact of an offseason addition brought in to work alongside Metcalf. Pittsburgh acquired Pittman from Indianapolis in March and signed him to a new three-year contract. He arrived after six seasons with the Colts, including an 80-catch, seven-touchdown season in 2025.

The team’s Thursday report on its personnel combinations pointed to Wilson as a player who could get a longer look while Pittman is sidelined. McCarthy praised Wilson’s acceleration and ability to separate, while saying the receiver was still improving the discipline and pace of his routes.

Wilson’s opportunity will come within an offense whose deployment remains under review after four games. McCarthy said coaches were working through how to use their veterans and younger players in different packages. Thursday’s injury development adds an immediate constraint to those decisions before the Colts visit.

Pittman’s exact return date remains unsettled. The next roster decision is whether his recovery requires an injured-reserve move; McCarthy’s update did not announce that move or give a specific number of games he would miss.