Steelers Place Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. on Injured Reserve

Foot Injury Sends Pittman to Injured Reserve

The Pittsburgh Steelers are placing wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. on injured reserve due to a foot injury. Head coach Mike McCarthy explained on Thursday that Pittman aggravated the injury during practice on Wednesday. Because of that setback, the team expects him to miss multiple weeks of action.

Pittman has been dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot for some time. The lingering foot problem previously kept him out of the game against the New England Patriots in Week 2. Following Wednesday's practice session, Pittman was seen using a scooter in the locker room to avoid putting any weight on his left foot.

Difficult Start for Veteran Receiver in Pittsburgh

The roster move adds to a difficult opening stretch for the veteran receiver in Pittsburgh. The Steelers acquired Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts in a March trade that involved a late round pick swap. Shortly after that deal, Pittsburgh signed him to a three year, $59 million contract extension to secure his future with the team.

Before joining the Steelers, Pittman spent six seasons with the Colts after entering the league as a second round pick in 2020. He was both productive and versatile during his time in Indianapolis, recording two 1,000 yard seasons.

Things have not gone smoothly since his arrival in Pittsburgh. The 29 year old receiver missed a large chunk of training camp with a separate, undisclosed injury. When healthy enough to play, he has not produced at his past level. Over his early appearances with the team, Pittman has caught just seven passes on 12 targets for 89 yards.

What it means for the next game

Pittman's placement on injured reserve comes right as the Steelers prepare to face his former team, the Colts, on Sunday.

Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): Pittsburgh Steelers win 53%, Indianapolis Colts win 47%; projected score Pittsburgh Steelers 23, Indianapolis Colts 21. Our safest pick: Colts +10.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL, Sun, 18 Oct): Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 40%, Pittsburgh Steelers win 60%; projected score Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19, Pittsburgh Steelers 21. Our safest pick: Buccaneers +10.