Team news: Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers WR Roman Wilson is expected to miss a couple of weeks due to a finger injury suffered Sunday, per source.

Related players: DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek

Fowler added Wilson is still gathering info and seeking a second opinion. The rookie Bernard was the team's top target at WR in Week 5, catching six balls for 80 yards on nine targets. Wilson was coming off back to back strong games in Weeks 3 and 4, so it's a tough loss as he was disappearing off fantasy waiver wires. Metcalf wasn't a fantasy factor in Week 5, so Bernard becomes an attractive and interesting potential waiver pickup for those needing help at WR. Bernard was a solid prospect in the NFL Draft this past spring and was considered a second round target in dynasty league drafts, so there is some fantasy potential there. But the Steelers passing game has been a little inconsistent when it comes to fantasy production.

Steelers HC Mike McCarthy said WR Michael Pittman Jr. re-injured his foot and now is expected to miss multiple weeks.

Related Players: DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Germie Bernard

We've already seen Wilson notch six targets in four-straight games, so we could expect that usage to continue while Pittman is sidelined. He's an interesting WR4/FLEX play for teams looking to fill some holes over the first bye weeks. Metcalf is a stronger WR2-type.

Dowdle has been ruled out for Thursday night’s game against Cleveland due to a toe injury.

This will be his second consecutive absence after he suffered the injury during Pittsburgh’s Week 2 loss to New England.

Related Players: Jaylen Warren, Eli Heidenreich, Travis Homer, Lew Nichols

Warren should remain the clear centerpiece of Pittsburgh’s backfield after handling a heavy workload during Dowdle’s first absence. He enters Thursday night as a strong RB2 with three-down involvement, while Homer and rookie Eli Heidenreich provide depth without standalone fantasy value. Pittsburgh could also elevate Lew Nichols from the practice squad, as they did in Week 3.

Steelers ruled out RB Rico Dowdle for Sunday’s game vs. the Bengals due to his toe injury.

RB Jaylen Warren is questionable for Sunday due to his shoulder injury.

Related Players: Eli Heidenreich

Warren is boosted all the way up to the RB1/2 fringe, as a very good bet to handle a vast majority of touches on an offense that wants to keep the ball around the line of scrimmage.

Mike McCarthy on DK Metcalf and where he's at:

"I think just the biggest thing, number one, just know he has our support. We're going to throw the ball to DK. I can promise you that. But just continue to work. He's a true professional."

Related Players: Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington

McCarthy’s comments do not guarantee an immediate breakout, but Pittsburgh clearly has no intention of reducing Metcalf’s role after two inefficient games. His current low-end WR2 ranking appropriately balances the expected volume with an offense that has struggled to create explosive plays. Fantasy managers should continue starting him as a lower-end WR2/WR3, with hopes that a blow-up game could turn things around. Metcalf has shown he is able to turn one positive play into some big fantasy output.

Some other notes from the open period to media:

- WR Michael Pittman Jr. continued to work today. He is battling a foot injury but was participating.

- Spencer Anderson still has the big wrap on his lower right leg.

- Rico Dowdle did not participate but was out of his boot. Jaylen Warren was participating.

- Joey Porter Jr. continues his work. Jamel Dean and Jalen Ramsey returned to practice after missing yesterday.

Related Players: DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington

Pittman is moving in the right direction, although his official Thursday participation level and Friday status will determine whether he is a viable Week 3 option. A full practice would put him on track to play; another limited session would leave him as a risky flex. Wilson and Bernard would lose some opportunity if Pittman returns.

Steelers RB Rico Dowdle (toe) checked out relatively OK following tests. He's considered to be day-to-day.

Related players: Jaylen Warren, Eli Heidenreich

Dowdle was carted to the locker room on Sunday. It's been a slow start for him, and he's mostly splitting time with Warren, although Warren has out-touched him the first two weeks. Dowdle has been involved in the passing game with two catches each of the first two weeks, putting him at least in the flex conversation for fantasy lineups. If Dowdle can't go, the rookie Heidenreich could be more involved with the majority of the work likely going to Warren.

McCarthy says he's unsure if Michael Pittman (foot) will be able to suit up against the Bengals.

Related players: DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard

McCarthy added, according to the post, that Pittman Jr.'s foot injury is not the injury he suffered during training camp. The coach added Pittman has taken some positive steps forward. Hopefully we'll know more with injury reports this week, but it doesn't sound too optimistic that Pittman will be ready to go. Metcalf, Wilson and Bernard could run as the team's top-three WRs.

The Steelers ruled out WR Michael Pittman Jr. for Sunday against the Patriots with a foot injury.

Pittman did not practice all week. He will look to return next week against the Bengals. For now, D.K. Metcalf and Roman Wilson will likely operate as the top two wide receivers with Pat Freiermuth working underneath following scoring a touchdown last week against the Falcons.

Michael Pittman Jr. did not practice Thursday because of a foot injury after being limited Wednesday.

Related Players: Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington

The Thursday downgrade creates legitimate Week 2 uncertainty. Metcalf would consolidate an already substantial target share if Pittman sits, while Wilson would be positioned for a larger route share. Freiermuth could also receive additional short-area opportunities.