Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Roles Shift Ahead of Week 7
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver D.K. Metcalf is a veteran player for the team. Metcalf turned in a season-high 11 catches for 93 yards during a 26-19 overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite that production, Getty NFL analyst Gregg Rosenthal argued on his NFL Daily podcast that rookie Germie Bernard has surpassed Metcalf as the team’s top passing option entering Week 7, Heavy.com reported.
Gregg Rosenthal Evaluates Rookie Germie Bernard and D.K. Metcalf
Rosenthal pointed to Bernard’s route running and deceleration as key factors in his rising status within the offense. Bernard also hauled in 11 catches against Tampa Bay, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime. The rookie has recorded at least 80 receiving yards in each of his past two games.
Watch Germie Bernard for the Steelers,
Rosenthal said on his NFL Daily podcast, via Steelers Now’s Aaron Becker. A rookie that Aaron Rodgers absolutely trusts and can do a little bit of everything really well. When I saw the deceleration and his ability to go from full speed to stopping in a second, it reminded me of Chris Olave. Not saying he’s going to be Chris Olave. He doesn’t have that juice, but a little more juice than expected. I look at him as the 1A, and DK Metcalf right now, coming off his best game of the year, as the 1B.
Statistical Comparison of Steelers Pass Catchers
While Rosenthal views Bernard as the primary target moving forward, season statistics show Metcalf holding a larger overall share of the passing offense. Metcalf has received 20 more targets than Bernard this season and leads the team with 30 catches for 318 receiving yards. Only running back Jaylen Warren has accumulated more yards from scrimmage for Pittsburgh.
Metcalf experienced early-season inconsistency, including drops and a three-catch, 12-yard performance against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. However, he rebounded with five catches for 115 yards against the Cleveland Browns in Week 4 prior to his 11-catch outing against Tampa Bay.
Offensive Depth Amid Injuries
The debate over the team’s top wide receiver takes place while Pittsburgh plays without injured targets Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson, both of whom are currently on injured reserve. With limited depth at the position, the Steelers rely on production from both Metcalf and Bernard as the team prepares for its Week 7 matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Steelers Receiving Core
Who leads the Pittsburgh Steelers in receiving yards this season?
D.K. Metcalf leads the team with 318 receiving yards and 30 total catches through the early portion of the 2026 season.
How many catches did Germie Bernard and D.K. Metcalf record against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Metcalf recorded 11 receptions in the Steelers’ 26-19 overtime victory.
Which Steelers wide receivers are currently on injured reserve?
Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson are both on injured reserve, leaving the team reliant on Metcalf and Bernard for wide receiver production.
Related reading