Steelers Expand Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard Roles Against Colts

Pittsburgh's passing offense will give Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard greater opportunities against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5 on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, as the Steelers adjust to Michael Pittman Jr.'s foot injury. Head coach Mike McCarthy expects Pittman to miss multiple weeks, creating additional opportunities for the two receivers to establish themselves in an offense seeking greater consistency.

Wilson enters the matchup with 14 catches for 188 yards and two touchdowns, according to Sports Yahoo's Oct. 10 report. He has scored in consecutive games and recorded a career-best 74 receiving yards against Cleveland. His 1.9 yards per route run leads Pittsburgh, according to Matt Williamson of the Steelers' website.

Wilson has also recorded six targets in every game this season, according to CBS Sports' Oct. 9 analysis. Across his last two games against Cincinnati and Cleveland, he caught six passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns, producing at least 15 points in each game under point-per-reception fantasy scoring. CBS Sports reported that he was rostered in 57 percent of its fantasy leagues on Friday.

McCarthy highlighted Wilson's ability to accelerate and create separation as reasons to increase his involvement. The coach's assessment points to a potential expanded role while Pittman recovers.

"Roman has a second gear that you just love to utilize as much as you possibly can," McCarthy said Thursday.

McCarthy also emphasized the receiver's ability to create distance from defenders, an important quality as Pittsburgh reshapes its receiving rotation.

"His ability to separate is top-notch."

Bernard also stands to benefit from Pittman's absence. The rookie has seven receptions for 60 yards across 103 offensive snaps, according to Sports Yahoo. His season receiving grade of 54.8 from Pro Football Focus indicates room for development as he works toward a more consistent role.

The rookie said he approaches preparation with the expectation that he could be called upon to start.

"I'm always preparing like I'm the starter," Bernard said this week.

Indianapolis' defensive tendencies could give Pittsburgh's young receivers favorable opportunities, particularly on routes through the middle of the field. According to the Steelers' weekly statistics column, the Colts have allowed 15 yards per touch to slot receivers, the highest figure in the league, and a league-high 90.5 receiving yards per game to that alignment.

The matchup differs for receivers working outside. Indianapolis ranks fourth in fewest yards allowed to wide receivers, while D.K. Metcalf takes 86.4 percent of his snaps on the outside, where cornerback Sauce Gardner plays nearly all his snaps. Those figures make the interior a potentially important area for Wilson and Bernard.

Pro Football Focus statistics cited by Sports Yahoo show Indianapolis cornerback Justin Walley has faced 23 targets and allowed 18 receptions through Week 4, the highest totals among Colts defenders in both categories.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrown six touchdown passes over his last two games, connecting with five different receivers, according to the report. He identified execution and the ability to create openings as priorities for the passing game.

"We've got to either schematically get guys open, or win our 1-on-1s, and when we do, I've got to hit them," Rodgers said Wednesday.

Pittsburgh's schedule following Indianapolis includes a game against Tampa Bay on Oct. 18 and a matchup with New Orleans in Paris on Oct. 25. With Pittman expected to remain sidelined for multiple weeks, Wilson and Bernard have an opportunity to contribute beyond Sunday's game as the Steelers pursue a stronger offensive rhythm during a critical four-game stretch.