By admin 
One of the growing mysteries as training camp came to a close for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday was the status of their wide receivers. Their top two receivers, DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., have been out of action since the Steelers’ annual under-the-lights practice. Both appear to be dealing with leg injuries. It remains unclear whether either injury is serious or if the Steelers are simply exercising caution. That uncertainty could be alarming to fans but one national insider may have provided some relief.
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National NFL insider Ian Rapoport joined Good Morning Football for his Around The NFL report and discussed what he has heard about the situation. While he does not have specifics, Rapoport said the Steelers do not appear overly concerned about the injuries at this stage of camp.
“The Steelers have practiced without their [top] two starting wideouts. Michael Pittman Jr has been battling a right leg injury, DK Metcalf who has been banged up as well … I don’t really sense any concern at all from the organization on these injuries.” Rapoport said.
Steelers could be exercising abundance of caution with two proven veterans
It makes sense for the Steelers to exercise an exceptional abundance of caution with both receivers. Metcalf and Pittman are proven NFL veterans who do not need extensive preseason reps. Metcalf has already developed chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, giving the Steelers another reason to avoid risk.
With the regular season approaching, there is little incentive to put either player on the field if there is any concern. Chances are, based on Rapoport’s insight, this is a minor situation compared to the ongoing mystery of Jalen Ramsey who had a knee injury before
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If Pittman, Metcalf don’t play in preseason, will Rodgers?
The Steelers already kept Rodgers out of their first preseason game when his top two receivers were also expected to miss. If Pittman and Metcalf remain sidelined for the second preseason game, it would make sense for the Steelers to keep Rodgers on the sideline as well.
Rodgers could use live-game reps with his teammates, but those reps become less valuable without his top two targets available. Pittsburgh could instead prioritize keeping its veteran quarterback healthy and give younger receivers more opportunities to build chemistry during practice. If the Steelers continue to view these injuries as minor, there is little reason to change course simply to get a few preseason snaps.
The Steelers’ approach may ultimately be less about concern and more about protecting their most important offensive pieces before the games begin to count.
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This story was originally published August 18, 2026 at 9:00 AM.