Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. aggravated a left foot injury during practice on Wednesday and is expected to miss several weeks, head coach Mike McCarthy announced Thursday.
Foot Injury Sidelines Steelers Wide Receiver
Pittman had been dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot earlier in the season, an issue that forced him to sit out the Steelers’ Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots. Wednesday’s setback occurred in the exact same area, according to the coaching staff.
“It’s the same foot, so this will be an injury that’s going to keep him out for a couple of weeks,” McCarthy told reporters Thursday. “We’re still sorting through his roster status.”
The 29-year-old receiver missed a substantial portion of training camp due to a separate, undisclosed injury before joining the active lineup.
Acquisition and Early Season Production in Pittsburgh
The Steelers acquired the veteran receiver from the Indianapolis Colts in March in exchange for a late-round draft pick. Following the trade, Pittsburgh signed Pittman to a three-year contract extension worth $59 million.
Selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Pittman established a productive and versatile reputation during his six seasons with Indianapolis, posting two campaigns with more than 1,000 receiving yards. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, however, his offensive output has been limited. Through the early portion of the schedule, Pittman has caught seven passes on 12 targets for a total of 89 yards.
Upcoming Matchup Against the Indianapolis Colts
The timing of Pittman’s absence coincides with the Steelers’ preparation to face his former team, the Indianapolis Colts, on Sunday. Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers addressed the receiver’s unavailability during his Wednesday media availability.
“We’d love to have Pitt out there, especially this week against his former team, but there’s going to be opportunities for a lot of guys,” Rodgers said.
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