Pittsburgh Steelers News

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Michael Pittman Jr. • WR • Steelers

Michael Pittman Jr. Hopes to Return After Bye Week

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) has started running and hopes to return following the team's Week 9 bye, according to Ashley Wenskoski of Pittsburgh Sports Tonight. Pittman explained that his injury initially began as plantar fasciitis before developing into a different foot issue, although he did not specify the exact diagnosis. He also said surgery was never under consideration. The 29-year-old has been on injured reserve since October 10 and is eligible to return against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10 on November 15. Pittman caught just seven of 12 targets for 89 yards in three appearances before landing on IR. Rookie Germie Bernard has taken on a larger role during his absence, recording 32 receptions for 284 yards and a touchdown. Pittman's progress is encouraging, but his limited early-season production and Bernard's emergence leave questions about his fantasy value whenever he returns.

6 days ago

Jaylen Warren • RB • Steelers

Jaylen Warren Remains Effective Despite Heavier Backfield Split

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries in his team's 27-6 rout of the Cleveland Browns. He failed to gain a yard on his lone catch (two targets). Warren was electric again on Sunday, carving up a porous Browns defense to tie a career-high in rushing yards. It was the fourth time this season that he surpassed 100 yards on the ground, while the rushing score was his second. In an encouraging turn of events, the Oklahoma State product was still uber-effective despite teammate Rico Dowdle's increased involvement. The latter was clearly out-touched through his first two games back from a toe injury, but brought the backfield carry split considerably closer. Either way, Warren was more efficient with his work and wasn't hampered in terms of fantasy. The 28-year-old continues to rip off long, chunk gains and is an enticing weekly play. He and the Steelers will get some time off before returning for a road matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10.

6 days ago

DK Metcalf • WR • Steelers

DK Metcalf Disappoints in Win Over Browns

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf recorded one catch for four yards in a 27-6 win over the division-rival Cleveland Browns in Week 8. Metcalf saw six targets, but he was only able to reel in one single reception for an incredibly low yardage total in a highly disappointing day for fantasy managers. Unsurprisingly, the one reception and four yards were both season lows for Metcalf in 2026. Tight end Darnell Washington led the Steelers with three receptions (on five targets) for 94 yards on Sunday. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for just 172 yards on a day when the Steelers leaned on running backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle in the ground game, rushing for 200 yards as a team. Through eight games, Metcalf has recorded 33 receptions for 378 yards and a touchdown in 2026. Following a bye week, Metcalf will look to bounce back in a Week 10 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

6 days ago

Germie Bernard • WR • Steelers

Germie Bernard's Expanded Role Faces a Week 8 Test

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard has played at least 91% of the offensive snaps in each of his last three games, but his weekly targets have fluctuated from nine to 12 to five. He caught 11 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown against Tampa Bay in Week 6 before being held to three catches for 27 yards against New Orleans. That leaves him at WR27 in RotoBaller's Week 8 rankings, a viable PPR flex consideration for Sunday's home game against Cleveland. The Browns have allowed no more than 182 passing yards in any of their past three contests, and Bernard caught just two passes for 11 yards in the teams' first meeting. He played only 40% of Pittsburgh's snaps in that game, however, and his role has since changed substantially. Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and Roman Wilson (finger) remain on injured reserve, while Ben Skowronek (calf) is also inactive, keeping Bernard heavily involved in an undermanned receiving group.

7 days ago

Darnell Washington • TE • Steelers

Darnell Washington is Touchdown-Dependent Option for Week 8

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington is looking to keep his touchdown streak alive in Week 8. Washington has scored in two straight games as he heads into a huge AFC North matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The big tight end has scored in three of his last four games, but he hasn't done much in terms of receiving yardage. Over those four games, Washington has finished with 10 receptions for 68 yards. He'll draw a tough matchup against the Browns defense, which is ranked 6th in the league in opponent passing yards per game. Washington is currently ranked as Rotoballer's TE28 heading into this game. Fantasy managers should consider Washington a touchdown-dependent option for this big divisional matchup.

7 days ago

Chris Boswell • K • Steelers

Chris Boswell A Solid Fantasy Option Against Division Rival

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell drilled all three of his field goal attempts and his lone extra-point try in a 16-10 win over the New Orleans Saints last week. He'll look to keep rolling against the Cleveland Browns in an important Week 8 matchup. Boswell missed a field goal when these teams met in Week 4, but he's converted nine of his 10 attempts since then and hasn't missed an extra point all season. The only factor working against Boswell's fantasy outlook this week is the projected point total of around 39.5. Fantasy managers can consider other options in more favorable matchups, but Boswell remains a quality starter who should stay on the fantasy radar in what projects to be a competitive game.

Oct 30

Pat Freiermuth • TE • Steelers

Pat Freiermuth Has Unreliable Floor in Week 8

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has had some standout fantasy performances this season but managed just two receptions for 20 yards in last week's win over the New Orleans Saints. Although he found the end zone against the Cleveland Browns in Week 4, he'll be difficult to trust when these teams meet again on Sunday. Cleveland has been a middle-of-the-road matchup for fantasy tight ends this season, allowing just under 11 half-PPR fantasy points per game to the position. With teammate Darnell Washington playing meaningful snaps and commanding red-zone targets, Freiermuth's opportunities are becoming increasingly unreliable despite his chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The 28-year-old should only be considered a bye-week fill-in, and fantasy managers can likely find a better option in most formats.

Oct 30

Germie Bernard • WR • Steelers

Germie Bernard Remains a Quality Flex Option in Week 8

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard underwhelmed fantasy managers last week after his breakout performance in Week 6 and will look to get back on track against the Cleveland Browns in a divisional matchup. Bernard had just two receptions for 11 yards against Cleveland in Week 4, but he was still playing behind Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and Roman Wilson (finger), both of whom will be sidelined on Sunday. Cleveland's defense has been vulnerable to opposing wide receivers this season, so despite the low projected point total, there is reason to believe Bernard and running mate DK Metcalf can find success in this contest. Bernard will need to show more consistency to become a weekly fantasy starter, but he remains a viable flex option in what projects to be a competitive game.

Oct 30

DK Metcalf • WR • Steelers

DK Metcalf Looks to Repeat Success Against Browns

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf was held to just two receptions in last week's win and will look to get more involved against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. Cleveland has allowed several big performances to opposing wideouts this season, including one from Metcalf when these teams met in Week 4. Pittsburgh's WR1 finished with five receptions for 115 yards on nine targets, while Roman Wilson (finger) added three catches for 74 yards and a touchdown in the loss. With Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) both on injured reserve, Metcalf and rookie Germie Bernard should once again serve as quarterback Aaron Rodgers' top options in the passing game. Metcalf's boom-or-bust production makes him difficult to rely on consistently, but he still offers plenty of upside as a fantasy WR2 in this crucial divisional matchup.

Oct 30

Rico Dowdle • RB • Steelers

Rico Dowdle Has Sneaky Flex Value in Week 8

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle has been getting more involved since returning from a toe injury and should again play an important role against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. While Dowdle only finished with nine carries last week, he led the Steelers in receptions, securing all six of his targets for 45 yards. Cleveland is giving up the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, but it is surrendering the fourth-most yards per carry and allowed the Tennessee Titans to rush for 141 yards and three touchdowns in Week 7. Given how thin Pittsburgh is at wide receiver right now, Dowdle's role as a pass-catcher should continue alongside his work as a change-of-pace option behind teammate Jaylen Warren. The backfield split keeps Dowdle from being a must-start fantasy option, but the 28-year-old has flex appeal and could surprise in this matchup.

Oct 30

Jaylen Warren • RB • Steelers

Jaylen Warren Should Remain Locked Into Lineups Against Browns

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren eclipsed 100 rushing yards for the third time this season last week and will look to keep rolling against the division-rival Cleveland Browns in Week 8. Warren didn't score a touchdown when these teams last met in Week 4, but the 27-year-old still managed 126 total yards on 20 touches. Although Cleveland has been solid against fantasy running backs this season, it is allowing the fourth-most yards per carry and was just gashed on the ground by Tony Pollard of the Tennessee Titans in Week 7. With Rico Dowdle back in the mix, Warren is playing fewer snaps, but his efficiency as both a runner and pass-catcher keeps him in must-start territory as a high-end RB2 this week.

Oct 30

Aaron Rodgers • QB • Steelers

Aaron Rodgers A Low-End QB2 Against Cleveland

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers disappointed for fantasy purposes last week but will look to get back on track in a divisional bout with the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. While the Browns are surrendering the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, Rodgers managed 299 passing yards and three touchdowns despite throwing two interceptions against Cleveland back in Week 4. This is a pivotal matchup with both AFC North teams sitting at 5-2 heading into Sunday, so Rodgers should be locked in for what projects to be a competitive game. That said, plenty of other fantasy options have more favorable matchups at the position. Fantasy managers can turn to Rodgers in a pinch, but he should be viewed as a low-end QB2 with some streaming appeal.

Oct 30

Jaylen Warren • RB • Steelers

Jaylen Warren Holds Lead Role as Steelers Backfield Evens Out

Running back Jaylen Warren remains a dependable fantasy RB2 because the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to feed him, even with Rico Dowdle back. He rushed 18 times for 101 yards and caught three passes for 36 yards in Pittsburgh's Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints, with Dowdle finishing at nine carries and six receptions. Warren has logged at least 14 carries in five consecutive contests after combining for just 21 rushing attempts in the first two games, and he's topped 100 scrimmage yards four times in that span. Dowdle's role is expanding elsewhere, though. He played 44% of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps against the Saints, led the team with six catches, and head coach Mike McCarthy said he liked how the workload was distributed. That growth is what keeps Warren from the near-every-down role he held before Dowdle's return.

Oct 29

Aaron Rodgers • QB • Steelers

Aaron Rodgers is a Desperation QB Pickup for Week 8

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is not a worthwhile bet as a fantasy contributor in Week 8 and beyond in a typical single-QB league. However, if you are in a 2-QB league or are pressed to find a bye week fill-in, Rodgers can be a useful fantasy asset. Rodgers has strung together a solid start to the season, throwing for 13 touchdowns in seven games (1.86 TDs/game), and has accumulated almost 1,700 passing yards. He is currently slotted in as QB18 in fantasy points per game headed into a Week 8 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns' Defense comes in with the eighth-fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing QBs per game, only allowing 15.5 per game. This is notable for fantasy managers looking to stream a QB as a bye week replacement in Week 8, as they may want to look elsewhere. Better times should be ahead for Rodgers, though, if wide receivers Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. can return from the injured reserve and strengthen the Steelers' shallow receiving corps. For now, Rodgers remains an average QB2 and a desperate bye-week/injury replacement without much upside.

Oct 28

Michael Pittman Jr. • WR • Steelers

Michael Pittman Jr. Could be Long-Term Stash Option

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) won't suit up for the Week 8 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Pittman will remain on the Injured Reserve, but he has a chance to return in Week 10. He won't play this weekend, and the Steelers have a bye during the following week. Fantasy managers willing to wait two weeks should consider stashing Pittman. Before going down, Pittman hauled in seven receptions for 89 yards in three games. He figures to be a significant part of the passing attack once he's back in the mix. Fantasy managers who are willing to be patient might get a nice payoff down the road once Pittman is back in the mix.

Oct 27

Darnell Washington • TE • Steelers

Darnell Washington's Touchdowns Hide a Thin Receiving Role

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington is a touchdown-dependent streamer, not a real receiving threat, and Sunday showed it. He caught his only target for a four-yard touchdown in the 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints, giving him three scores over the past four games, but he ran just seven routes to Pat Freiermuth's 26 despite playing 56% of the offensive snaps. Freiermuth drew four targets while playing slightly fewer snaps. Washington's 6-foot-7 frame makes him a dangerous red-zone option, but his 23 targets and 160 receiving yards through seven games show how heavily his fantasy production depends on touchdowns. Stream him against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8 in leagues with at least 14 teams, particularly if you need scoring upside at a thin position. Pittsburgh's Week 9 bye further limits his appeal as a longer-term addition in shallower formats.

Oct 27

Pat Freiermuth • TE • Steelers

Pat Freiermuth Could be Worth Stashing

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is coming off another lousy performance, but he's still a decent fantasy option. Over the last two games, Freiermuth has hauled in four receptions for 31 yards. It has been a struggle for the big tight end, but he's still the TE11 at the moment despite some lackluster performances. He has seen four or more targets in every game but one this season. He should continue to stay involved against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. Fantasy managers looking for an option with their tight end on a bye week should consider snagging Freiermuth. He has a good track record despite some sluggish performances as of late.

Oct 26

Rico Dowdle • RB • Steelers

Rico Dowdle Productive in Win Over Saints, but Clear No. 2 Option

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle carried the ball nine times for 41 yards (4.6 yards per carry), and caught all six of his targets for 45 receiving yards (7.5 yards per reception) in France during a 16-10 Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints. He played 28 offensive snaps. Dowdle was fairly productive and heavily involved in the passing game, as he led the Steelers in receptions and tied for the team lead with wide receiver DK Metcalf in targets. However, it is evident that running back Jaylen Warren will remain the preferred option in the running game. Warren played 40 offensive snaps and rushed 18 times for 101 yards (5.6 yards per carry). Warren added three receptions (on four targets) for 36 yards (12.0 yards per catch). Warren out-touched Dowdle 21-15, compiling 137 scrimmage yards compared to 86 total yards for Dowdle. The Steelers prefer to use a two-running back attack, and Dowdle will continue to get plenty of touches, but expect Warren to keep operating as the lead back as the 2026 season progresses.

Oct 25

Germie Bernard • WR • Steelers

Germie Bernard Cools Down in Victory over Saints

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard had a low-production day in a 16-10 Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints. Bernard saw five targets in the passing game and recorded three receptions for 27 yards (9.0 yards per reception). He did not find the end zone. After registering 21 catches for 167 receiving yards and a touchdown combined over the past two weeks, Bernard cooled off significantly. However, quarterback Aaron Rodgers only threw for 212 passing yards on the day, as the Steelers rushed for 148 yards in the ground game. Wide receiver DK Metcalf led the Steelers in receiving yards against the Saints with 56, while running back Rico Dowdle led the team in receptions with six. Pittsburgh is dealing with multiple injuries in the wide receiver room, so expect Bernard to remain involved for the foreseeable future. He will look to bounce back in a Week 8 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

Oct 25

Jaylen Warren • RB • Steelers

Jaylen Warren Continues to Lead Pittsburgh Backfield in Win over Saints

Running back Jaylen Warren continues to be the No. 1 option in the backfield for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he rushed 18 times for 101 yards (5.6 yards per carry) and made three receptions (on four targets) for 36 yards (12.0 yards per catch) in a 16-10 Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints in France. Warren played 40 out of 64 offensive snaps (62.5%). He compiled 56 yards after contact, averaging 3.11 yards after contact per attempt, according to Pro Football Focus. Fellow running back Rico Dowdle earned 28 snaps and rushed nine times for 41 yards (4.6 yards per carry), while catching all six of his targets for 45 receiving yards (7.5 yards per reception). While Dowdle remains involved, Warren out-touched him 21-15 and played 12 more offensive snaps. Warren tallied 137 scrimmage yards compared to 86 for Dowdle. Both running backs will play significant roles in the offense, but expect Warren to keep leading the charge.

Oct 25

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