Pittsburgh Steelers

Germie Bernard

WR

Both DK Metcalf (undisclosed) and Michael Pittman (hamstring) were sidelined for Friday's exhibition contest, so Bernard joined Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek in the Steelers' first-team offense. The offense struggled with both Will Howard and Drew Allar under center, and Bernard failed to log any receiving yards despite playing 29 snaps. The rookie second-rounder is currently listed as the Steelers' No. 4 wideout behind Metcalf, Pittman and Wilson, and Thursday's preseason finale against the Bills presents Bernard his last opportunity to push for the WR3 job before the conclusion of training camp.

Roman Wilson

WR

Wilson has been one of the standout players in training camp, but that level of play has not translated to games. Both of the interceptions that Will Howard threw in the second quarter were throws targeted to Wilson, and Mike DeFabo of The Athletic believes that Wilson could have run flatter routes to prevent those turnovers. The 2024 third-rounder is currently listed as the Steelers' WR3 behind DK Metcalf (undisclosed) and Michael Pittman (hamstring), but more lackluster play in games could result in Wilson dropping behind rookie second-rounder Germie Bernard on the depth chart. The Steelers will wrap up their slate of preseason games Thursday on the road against the Bills.

Israel Mukuamu

S

Kaleb Johnson

RB

Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle served as the Steelers' one-two punch out of the backfield in the first quarter, with Johnson getting his first touch in the second frame. Johnson ended up playing 24 snaps on offense and led all Steelers running backs in touches and yards. The 2025 third-rounder is currently slated as the RB3 behind Warren and Dowdle on the depth chart, but Johnson's spot on the Steelers' 53-man roster for the regular season is far from guaranteed. Pittsburgh wraps up its preseason Thursday against Buffalo.

Pat Freiermuth

TE

Freiermuth and Darnell Washington saw limited action in Friday's exhibition contest, with the former not seeing a target from Will Howard. Freiermuth is entering his sixth NFL season off the heels of a disappointing 2025 campaign, when he caught 41 passes (on 54 targets) for 486 yards and four touchdowns across 17 regular-season games, with his receptions and targets both being career lows. Freiermuth and Washington will provide quarterback Aaron Rodgers with big targets in the passing game, with both tight ends working in complement with wide receivers DK Metcalf (undisclosed) and Michael Pittman (hamstring).