Pittsburgh’s top wideouts, DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., both fully expect to suit up for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons on September 13, despite battling injuries. According to PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh, neither believes they’ll be sidelined for the opener, which is huge because the Steelers are gonna need all the firepower they can get.
Banged Up and Needing a Bounce-Back
Let’s be real, it’s not ideal heading into a new season with your two best receivers nursing issues. Metcalf is dealing with an undisclosed injury, and Pittman Jr. has a hamstring problem. You just know these guys are itching to prove last year was a fluke. Metcalf, after signing a big extension, had his worst statistical season in 2025, pulling in just 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns. That’s not the explosive playmaking Pittsburgh envisioned.
Pittman Jr. also had a rough 2025, finishing with 80 receptions, 784 yards, and seven scores. His production took a noticeable dip late in the season, and yeah, it definitely coincided with the Indianapolis Colts cycling through Philip Rivers and Riley Leonard at quarterback. Poor QB play can tank a receiver’s numbers, we all know that. But now, it’s a new year, and the stakes are sky-high for both these guys to return to their peak form.
The Rodgers Question Mark Looms Large
Here’s the kicker: the Steelers absolutely *need* Metcalf and Pittman Jr. to be at their best because their passing game situation is… well, it’s dicey. We’re talking about a 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers under center, and expecting him to dramatically improve last year’s performance feels like a reach. He managed only 207.6 passing yards per game, his fewest over a full season, and now he’s another year older. You don’t get faster or stronger after 40 in the NFL, do you?
If these two wideouts can somehow shake off the injuries and perform up to their true potential, Pittsburgh’s passing game *might* just collectively get where it needs to be. That’s the only path for the team to realistically contend for another AFC North title. Without them firing on all cylinders, it’s hard to see how this offense keeps up.
The season kicks off on September 13 against the Atlanta Falcons. It’s not just another game, it’s the first test of whether Metcalf and Pittman Jr. can overcome these early knocks and carry an aging passing attack. Every yard, every catch, is going to matter if the Steelers want to hang in the AFC North race. Get ready for some high-stakes football right out of the gate!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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