Steelers Have a New WR to Watch For

The Pittsburgh Steelers need help at the wide receiver position. After several injuries, the team's depth is depleted, and they're hopeful to get many of their options back, but will it be enough to make their room "good enough"?

Roman Wilson, who's missed the last four weeks with a finger injury, and Michael Pittman Jr., who's dealing with plantar fasciitis in his foot, are hopeful to return this season, but when? That's still up in the air.

Both are working off to the side during practices and progressing toward a return, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. But it's not confirmed when they'll be able to provide the needed help to the position this season.

Then there's Max Hurleman. The practice squad wide receiver has impressed during two training camps and preseason campaigns. Both in 2025 and 2026, he was on the verge of making the 53-man roster but fell just short, likely due to his undersized frame and undrafted status.

But McCarthy isn't overlooking him.

On two occasions, McCarthy has mentioned Hurleman as a candidate to return from Injured Reserve and help his offense move in the right direction.

"I feel great about our guys. I mean, we’re getting guys healthy. Michael [Pittman Jr.] is getting close, obviously, Roman [Wilson] and Max [Hurleman]," McCarthy said about his wideout room after the trade deadline. "So, we’ve got good young guys. Both the Brandons [Smith and Johnson]. So, we’ve got a group that I'm excited to continue to work with."

Even Aaron Rodgers tossed his name out there as a player who can contribute when healthy.

"We've obviously raised up a couple of our P-Squad guys who are talented. Still would love to get some opportunities for Max [Hurleman] at some point whenever he comes off," Rodgers said about players who can contribute at wide receiver. "We have Marquez [Valdes-Scantling], who hasn't been brought up yet, so we have a lot of options. But I'm hopeful that we'll get [Michael Pittman Jr.] and Roman [Wilson] back sooner rather than later."