Pittsburgh Steelers News

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Darnell Washington • TE • Steelers

Darnell Washington Steps Up as Steelers' Top Tight End on Sunday

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington caught four of his six targets for 25 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Steelers have dealt with injuries to wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and Roman Wilson (finger), and many of their vacated targets have been distributed among the tight end position. Pat Freiermuth was the primary beneficiary over the previous two weeks with eight catches and three touchdowns during that span, but it was Washington's turn to produce this week. He now has two touchdowns over the last three weeks, and he has scored at least 9.0 PPR points in three of his last four games. His usage is tough to predict with Freiermuth also in the mix, but at the very least, Washington should generate some streaming interest in 14+ team leagues going forward.

8 hours ago

DK Metcalf • WR • Steelers

High Volume for DK Metcalf in Overtime Win Versus Bucs

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf was heavily targeted in a 26-19 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. He drew 15 targets from quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the passing game and recorded 11 receptions for 93 yards (8.5 yards per reception). Metcalf led the Steelers in targets and receiving yards, and tied rookie wideout Germie Bernard in receptions. Bernard did find the end zone in overtime, while Metcalf did not score. Rodgers also connected on a touchdown pass to tight end Darnell Washington in regulation. The number of targets and receptions were both season highs for Metcalf. After a slow start for Pittsburgh's offense in 2026, things seem to be picking up for Metcalf and the Steelers.

11 hours ago

Germie Bernard • WR • Steelers

Rookie Germie Bernard has Breakout Game in Win

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard made an early mistake, but was able to overcome it and help get his team the win during Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The rookie wideout hauled in 11 of his 12 targets for 87 yards and a touchdown in the overtime victory. The rookie wideout made an early mistake in the first quarter, but redeemed himself by scoring the game-winning touchdown. Bernard has now posted back-to-back 80-yard receiving games. The Steelers should continue to lean on Bernard in the passing game with Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and Roman Wilson (finger) both sidelined. He figures to be a popular waiver wire addition ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

12 hours ago

Pat Freiermuth • TE • Steelers

Pat Freiermuth Playing in Week 6 Against Bucs

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (calf) was a late addition to the Week 6 injury report and was listed as questionable to play, but he is officially active for Sunday's contest on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now that the 27-year-old is officially set to play this weekend, he is back in play as a TE streamer in fantasy football leagues with receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) still on Injured Reserve. Freiermuth already has four touchdown receptions in the first five games of 2026, including three trips to the end zone in the last two games against the Indianapolis Colts and division-rival Cleveland Browns. With Pittman sidelined in last week's win over the Colts, Freiermuth caught five of a season-high seven targets for 44 yards and two touchdowns. He has caught 19 of his 26 targets for 169 yards and four touchdowns to begin his sixth season in the NFL and with Pittsburgh. The Buccaneers' defense has allowed the 10th-most half-PPR fantasy points to the tight end position so far this year.

21 hours ago

Rico Dowdle • RB • Steelers

Rico Dowdle Returning From his Toe Injury on Sunday

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) is officially active and will make his return to Pittsburgh's backfield on Sunday on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. A dislocated toe on his right foot caused Dowdle to miss each of the last three games, allowing Jaylen Warren to take on an elevated workload as the Steelers' lead back. While head coach Mike McCarthy planned for an even backfield split between Warren and Dowdle before the regular season started, Warren's recent play makes him deserving of more of the work now that Dowdle has returned from his injury. The 28-year-old Dowdle was averaging just 2.5 carries for 37 yards and no rushing touchdowns on his 15 rushing attempts in two games before his injury, too, so it is not like he had been impressing the coaching staff before missing time. He should be involved for the Steelers now that he is back, but fantasy managers should temper expectations, and he is a hard sell as an RB3/flex option in his first game back in Tampa.

21 hours ago

Germie Bernard • WR • Steelers

Germie Bernard Faces Tougher Test After Week 5 Breakout

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard has an opportunity to build on his Week 5 performance when Pittsburgh visits the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The rookie caught six of nine targets for 80 yards against Indianapolis, setting season highs across all three categories while playing 93% of the offensive snaps. With Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) on injured reserve and Roman Wilson (finger) and Ben Skowronek (calf) unavailable, Bernard should continue seeing substantial playing time alongside DK Metcalf, who has been cleared to play following an illness. Pat Freiermuth (calf) is also questionable, potentially creating additional opportunities in the passing game. However, Tampa Bay has allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers, and Bernard managed just seven receptions for 60 yards across his first four games. His expanded role gives him some appeal as a WR3/flex option in deeper PPR leagues, although the difficult matchup and limited track record make him a reasonable bench candidate for managers with more established alternatives.

22 hours ago

Pat Freiermuth • TE • Steelers

Steelers Optimistic Pat Freiermuth Will Play After Late Downgrade

The Pittsburgh Steelers are "optimistic" that tight end Pat Freiermuth (calf) will be able to play in Sunday's Week 6 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Freiermuth was a late addition to the injury report on Saturday, and he enters game day listed as questionable. The 27-year-old has been terrific over the last two weeks, totaling eight catches for 61 yards and a whopping three touchdowns during that span. His strong two-game stretch has bumped him up to TE8 in total scoring this year (PPR), and he'll look to build on that even further on Sunday against the Bucs. After all, there are plenty of targets to go around with Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and Roman Wilson (finger) both landing on injured reserve through mid-November.

Yesterday

Rico Dowdle • RB • Steelers

Rico Dowdle Expected to Return for Week 6 vs. Buccaneers

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 6 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite being listed as questionable, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Dowdle played in the first two games of the season but wasn't much of a factor, canceling out his four receptions with a very underwhelming 2.47 yards per carry. His return comes amid a surge of dominance from Jaylen Warren, who seems to have a pretty firm grasp on the lead-back role. Warren ranks as the RB8 in PPR leagues, and over his last three games, he has 321 rushing yards, 12 catches, 169 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. The return of Dowdle may allow the Steelers to give Warren a few more snaps off, but we'd be surprised if they don't continue to treat him as a near-every-down back. That would keep Dowdle off the fantasy radar for the time being.

Yesterday

Germie Bernard • WR • Steelers

Germie Bernard Among the Top Streamers for Week 6

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard is a top streamer option for Week 6, and he remains available to be added in 65% of fantasy leagues. Bernard occupied a relatively small role through the first four weeks of the season, but his stock took off in Week 5, when he jumped to the No. 2 spot on the depth chart following injuries to Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and Roman Wilson (finger). Last Sunday, he broke out with nine targets, six catches, and 80 receiving yards. He should continue to occupy a large role in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, serving as one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite targets not named DK Metcalf. The wide receiver position continues to get thinner and thinner across the NFL due to bye weeks and injuries, so Bernard is a worthwhile streaming option for many managers in Week 6.

Yesterday

Roman Wilson • WR • Steelers

Roman Wilson Placed on Injured Reserve

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed Roman Wilson (dislocated finger) on Injured Reserve, which will sideline him for at least the next four weeks. Wilson is the Steelers' third-leading receiver, recording 14 receptions for 188 yards and a couple of touchdowns this season. With Wilson unavailable, that will likely mean more targets for rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard, who has totaled 13 receptions for 140 yards on the year. Additionally, fellow Pittsburgh wide receiver DK Metcalf did not practice on Friday due to an illness. Bernard is RotoBaller's 36th-ranked wide receiver and is projected to score nine fantasy points against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. Tampa Bay has allowed an average of 226.6 yards passing per game this season, which is middle of the pack. During a win over the Dallas Cowboys last week, Tampa Bay gave up 316 yards to Dallas through the air, including a three-reception, 90-yard performance from WR3 Ryan Flournoy, which included a 48-yard reception.

Yesterday

Pat Freiermuth • TE • Steelers

Pat Freiermuth Now Questionable With Calf Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers added tight end Pat Freiermuth (calf) to the Week 6 injury report on Saturday, and he is now questionable to play on Sunday at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a calf injury, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Steelers already have wideout Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) on Injured Reserve, so if Freiermuth cannot suit up this weekend, rookie receiver Germie Bernard could be heavily targeted by veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers against a Buccaneers defense that has allowed 226.6 yards per game through the air through the first five weeks of the season. The 27-year-old Freiermuth has become a waiver-wire pickup in recent weeks after catching eight of his 12 targets for 61 yards and three touchdowns in the last two games against the division-rival Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts. He has already matched his touchdown total (four) from all of last year in 17 games played, but fantasy managers might not be able to stream him against Tampa. If Freiermuth is inactive, Darnell Washington will be a streaming sleeper in deeper fantasy formats.

Yesterday

DK Metcalf • WR • Steelers

DK Metcalf Removed From Injury Report, Will Play Sunday

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (illness) has been removed from the injury report and will not have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Week 6 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Steelers listed Metcalf as questionable on Friday's final injury report after he did not practice due to an illness. However, he is feeling better a day later and will be good to go this weekend for the Steelers and fantasy managers. Through five games in the 2026 season, Metcalf has caught only 19 of his 37 targets for 225 yards and one touchdown, which makes him the WR41 in half-PPR scoring going into this weekend's games. Metcalf had his best game of the year in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Thursday night, catching five of his nine targets for 115 yards, but he regressed with just three receptions for 12 yards in last Sunday's 34-22 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. With Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) on Injured Reserve, Metcalf should have a safer target floor, and that will be especially true if tight end Pat Freiermuth (calf), who was added to the injury report on Saturday, cannot play in Tampa.

Yesterday

Rico Dowdle • RB • Steelers

What role will Rico Dowdle Play If He Returns in Week 6?

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) enters a Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a questionable designation due to a toe injury. Dowdle has missed each of the past three games. He was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice before being upgraded to a full participant on Thursday and Friday. Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio said earlier this week that he expects Dowdle to return in Week 6, and the full practice sessions are encouraging, but Dowdle's status still needs to be monitored before Sunday's 1 p.m. Eastern Time kickoff. Dowdle was highly inefficient in the first two games of the season. He has tallied 15 carries for 37 rushing yards (2.5 yards per carry), while adding four catches for 28 yards (7.0 yards per reception) so far in 2026. He has not yet recorded a touchdown. Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren has seemed to take over as Pittsburgh's unquestioned starter with Dowdle out. However, if Dowdle is active, expect him to get a fair share of touches. Still, it might be best to leave Dowdle on the bench until his role becomes clearer. He is RotoBaller's No. 37 running back for Week 6.

Yesterday

DK Metcalf • WR • Steelers

DK Metcalf a Low-End WR2 Option if Active in Week 6

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (illness) is officially listed as questionable to play in his team's Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after missing practice on Friday with an illness. Metcalf's production has largely been underwhelming so far this season, as he's recorded 19 catches for 225 yards and a touchdown on 37 targets across five games. However, he could be in a position to see a heavy target share if he plays in Week 6, as Steelers wideouts Roman Wilson (finger) and Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) will both be inactive. The Buccaneers defense has been a mid-pack unit against the pass in 2026, ranking 18th in the NFL in passing yards allowed (1,173) and 17th in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.1). Still, Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been playing well of late, throwing for 826 yards and nine touchdowns over the last three weeks. If active, Metcalf profiles as a low-end WR2 option for fantasy managers in Week 6.

Yesterday

Darnell Washington • TE • Steelers

Darnell Washington Could See Additional Looks in Week 6

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington has been relatively quiet for fantasy purposes so far this season but could be in line for an expanded role against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. The Steelers are incredibly thin at wide receiver, with Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) all ruled out and DK Metcalf (illness) questionable. While running back Jaylen Warren should see a heavy workload, Washington, along with fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth and rookie wideout Germie Bernard, could see an uptick in targets from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Buccaneers are allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, and Washington has been involved near the end zone, with three red-zone targets and one touchdown over the past two weeks. His lack of consistent utilization keeps him out of fantasy consideration in most formats, but Washington has some upside as a dart throw in deeper leagues.

2 days ago

Chris Boswell • K • Steelers

Chris Boswell A Strong Fantasy Option Against Buccaneers

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell connected on both of his field goal attempts and all four of his extra-point tries in Week 5 and will look to stay consistent in a Week 6 bout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Boswell's fantasy output has been a bit up and down to start the season, but his viability this week is apparent, with Tampa Bay surrendering the second-most fantasy points per contest to opposing kickers. Pittsburgh's offense has been clicking as of late, leading to more scoring opportunities for the 35-year-old veteran. Boswell profiles as a top-10 option at the position this week and should be viewed as a quality starter in most fantasy leagues.

2 days ago

Pat Freiermuth • TE • Steelers

Pat Freiermuth Primed for Featured Role in Week 6

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth scored twice in Week 5 and should remain a focal point of the team's passing attack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. The Steelers' wide receiver room is thin, with Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) out and DK Metcalf (illness) questionable to suit up. If Metcalf can't go, Freiermuth and rookie receiver Germie Bernard will be expected to lead the way for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with running back Jaylen Warren and fellow tight end Darnell Washington also contributing in the passing game. The Buccaneers are surrendering the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, making this a matchup worth targeting. Freiermuth leads all Steelers offensive weapons with four touchdowns and five red-zone targets already this season. The 27-year-old checks in as the TE12 in RotoBaller's Week 6 rankings and carries plenty of upside as a starting option on Sunday.

2 days ago

Germie Bernard • WR • Steelers

Germie Bernard Trending Up, Carries Flex Value Against Buccaneers

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard had his most productive outing yet in Week 5 and will look to carry that momentum into a Week 6 meeting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although Tampa Bay's defense has been solid, it ranks in the middle of the pack against fantasy wideouts. Bernard should earn plenty of looks on Sunday with teammates Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) inactive and DK Metcalf (illness) questionable to play. The rookie's early chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been on display when he sees an uptick in snaps. In two games this season with more than 70% of offensive snaps, Bernard has earned a total of 17 targets. While running back Jaylen Warren and tight end Pat Freiermuth are also sure to be involved in the passing game, Bernard's opportunity is hard to ignore, making him an intriguing WR3 or flex option in most fantasy formats.

2 days ago

Rico Dowdle • RB • Steelers

Rico Dowdle Questionable Despite Full Practices

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) is questionable for Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite practicing in full on Thursday and Friday. Dowdle has missed three consecutive games since injuring his toe against New England in Week 2, but his progression from a limited session Wednesday to consecutive full practices is encouraging. He recorded 37 rushing yards on 15 carries and caught four passes for 28 yards across his first two games. Jaylen Warren has taken control of the Pittsburgh backfield during Dowdle's absence, most recently totaling 188 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns against Indianapolis in Week 5. Warren's production gives the Steelers little reason to rush Dowdle into a substantial role, even if he's cleared to return. Fantasy managers should keep Dowdle on the bench until there's a clearer picture of how Pittsburgh intends to distribute its backfield touches.

2 days ago

Jaylen Warren • RB • Steelers

Jaylen Warren Still a Strong RB1 Despite Tough Matchup in Week 6

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is enjoying a breakout campaign, ranking as the fantasy RB9 through the first five weeks, and should continue to produce against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. The bad news for Warren is that Tampa Bay is giving up the third-fewest yards per carry and fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing backs. On the plus side, however, the Buccaneers have surrendered the fourth-most receptions to the position. Warren has seen at least four targets in every game this season and secured nine of 12 targets from quarterback Aaron Rodgers over the past two weeks. With Pittsburgh incredibly thin at wide receiver, as Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) are all out and DK Metcalf (illness) is questionable, Warren should be heavily involved in the passing game on Sunday. He may cede some opportunities to teammate Rico Dowdle (toe) if he returns, but Warren remains locked in as a fantasy RB1 given his recent performances and workload.

2 days ago

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