A non-factor in Week 1, Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wideout Germie Bernard could be among the league’s biggest X-factors of Week 2.
On Saturday, Steelers veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) was ruled out for Sunday’s road opener at the New England Patriots (0-1).
Pittman’s absence creates a pathway for Bernard, a 2026 NFL Draft second-round pick (No. 47 overall), to take on a much larger role in the Steelers offense than in last weekend’s 20-13 home win over the Atlanta Falcons (0-1).
“With Pittman out,” ESPN Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor wrote on social media, “Bernard is in line to get more snaps.”
Bernard, 22, took more special teams (four) than offensive (three) snaps in Week 1 as Pittman (59 snaps) and D.K. Metcalf (64 snaps) commanded the bulk of wide receiver reps. Per Sumer Sports, Pittsburgh operated out of three-wide receiver sets on 57.8 percent of its offensive plays against the Falcons, and second-year receiver Roman Wilson took the majority of those snaps out of 11 personnel, leaving Bernard as the odd-man out.
“Steelers coaches, though,” Pryor added, “have been complimentary of Bernard’s growth, and [quarterback Aaron] Rodgers has praised him for not repeating mistakes.”
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