Steelers downgrade WR Michael Pittman Jr. to out, with a foot injury

The Steelers will head to New England for a Week 2 game without receiver Michael Pittman Jr.

Pittman has been downgraded to out, with a foot injury.

He had been listed as questionable. Pittman was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. He didn’t practice on Thursday or Friday.

The downgrade is a common move for road teams. If the player isn’t going to play, he doesn’t travel. When he doesn’t travel, he gets ruled out.

Last week against the Falcons, Pittman caught three passes on three targets, for 58 yards in his Steelers debut. He had been traded by the Colts after Indy re-signed receiver Alec Pierce to a deal that pays $29 million per year.

Based on the Steelers’ online depth chart, Germie Bernard steps into Pittman’s role. His absence will could mean for opportunities for the likes of DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson in Pittsburgh’s offense.