Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers Metcalf and Pittman Jr. sidelined by injuries

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing significant depth issues at wide receiver as starting duo DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. are unlikely to return to practice or play this week due to injuries. Head coach Mike McCarthy noted that both players will be ‘hard-pressed to work this week’ following injuries sustained during recent practices.

Metcalf’s specific injury details remain unclear, while Pittman Jr. is dealing with a lower-body injury. The absence of the top receiving pair has also impacted the team's preseason plans for quarterback Aaron Rodgers; McCarthy reportedly opted not to play Rodgers in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers because the duo was not available to play together.

Other injuries have further depleted the roster, including Brandon Smith, who left a recent game limping, and kick returner Kaden Wetjen. The team is currently utilizing players such as Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, and Ben Skowronek in first-team repetitions.