Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will miss multiple weeks after re-injuring his foot, head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed on Thursday, ruling him out for Sunday’s matchup against his former team, the Indianapolis Colts.
Foot Injury Sidelines Pittman for Multiple Weeks
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. for an extended stretch. Head Coach Mike McCarthy addressed reporters on Thursday before practice, confirming that the receiver has sustained a repeat injury to the exact same foot that troubled him earlier in the season. McCarthy stated that the issue will sideline the veteran for multiple weeks, though the organization has not yet provided a precise timeline for his return.
The development leaves Pittman’s immediate roster status uncertain. When asked by reporters whether the team plans to place the receiver on the Injured Reserve list—which would mandate a minimum four-week absence—McCarthy indicated that it was still too early to make that determination while evaluations are ongoing.
Indy Reunion Delayed at Acrisure Stadium
The timing of the injury rules Pittman out for a high-profile reunion. The Steelers are scheduled to face the Indianapolis Colts at 7:00 PM local time on Sunday, a game where the wide receiver would have faced the franchise he previously represented. Instead, Pittman will watch from the sidelines as Pittsburgh adjusts its offensive game plan without him.
Pittman’s production in the black and gold has been limited so far this year. Through the early portion of the schedule, he has recorded seven receptions for 89 yards. His absence removes a familiar target from the offense just as the team prepares to host the Colts.
Earlier Foot Trouble and Season History
This latest setback marks the second time this season that foot issues have interrupted Pittman’s availability. The receiver previously missed Week 2 due to a foot injury that was identified as a flare-up of plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot.
The concern resurfaced midweek when Pittman reappeared on the team’s injury report with a foot designation. Just one day later, the coaching staff delivered the news that the ailment would keep him out of the lineup for an extended period. Team officials have not clarified whether this latest absence stems from a worsening of the initial plantar fascia irritation or a separate structural issue in the same foot.
With Pittman sidelined, the offensive coaching staff turns its attention to depth pieces on the roster. Wide receivers Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard are expected to step into larger roles in the passing attack, though McCarthy and his staff have not yet finalized how snaps and targets will be distributed among the remaining wideouts against Indianapolis.
Next Steps for the Pittsburgh Roster
The Steelers enter the weekend evaluating their options regarding the 53-man roster and potential roster transactions. If medical evaluations show that Pittman requires a lengthy recovery period, placing him on Injured Reserve remains a procedural possibility that would open a temporary roster spot while forcing him to sit out at least four consecutive games.
Pittsburgh returns to the field on Sunday at 7:00 PM to host the Indianapolis Colts, with further updates on Pittman’s rehabilitation expected from the medical staff early next week.
