The Pittsburgh Steelers face big decisions to make following their romp of the Cleveland Browns. But wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will help arrange some plans. By helping share an encouraging health update.
Pittman spent Monday running privately amid his foot injury. He's eyeing making a return following the team's bye week.
Pittman first landed on injured reserve before week five. The former Indianapolis Colts wideout is dealing with a plantar fasciitis NFL injury that forced him to sit up to four games.
Pittman arrived via trade and immediately left quarterback Aaron Rodgers energized about the looming collaboration. But his 2026 has gotten off to a slow start amid the injury. He's caught only seven passes for 89 yards and averaging 12.7 yards per catch.
He landed in the Steel City following six seasons of stardom in Indy. That includes snatching 109 receptions for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns during the 2023 season. He also caught 88 and 99 receptions in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
The Steelers looked efficient without Pittman on offense, though, against the rival Browns. Pittsburgh piled 200 rushing yards including 143 from running back Jaylen Warren, who averaged 8.4 yards per carry. Rico Dowdle added 56 yards on 15 carries and added his own touchdown.
Rodgers didn't need to do a whole lot on the aerial side, hitting 13-of-25 for 172 yards with one interception. He also took one sack but still helped guide the 27-6 romp at Acrisure Stadium.
And that victory swung the first place lead over to the Steelers, as both teams entered 5-2 overall. Now Pittsburgh has joined the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills as the only AFC teams with six victories.