Germie Bernard makes promise to Steelers after Michael Pittman Jr. injury update

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy shared some bad news for Pittsburgh fans on Thursday when he confirmed that wide receiver and offseason acquisition Michael Pittman Jr. will miss multiple games due to a foot injury that could ultimately result in Pittman going on injured reserve. 

Later on Thursday, Steelers rookie receiver and second-round draft pick Germie Bernard insisted that he'll be ready to see more targets when the 2-2 Steelers host the 2-2 Indianapolis Colts this Sunday.

Germie Bernard expects help from Michael Pittman Jr. amid injury setback

"My preparation is always the same," Bernard explained, per Teresa Varley of the Cowboys' website. "I'm always preparing like I'm the starter. I'm already prepared and ready for whatever comes my way. It (stinks) for Mike to have to deal with this. I let him know I'm praying for him. I know he's there to support me as well. He's going to help me. He's going to coach me up and help me with the experience he's had."

Over the first four regular-season games of his young NFL career, Bernard tallied just seven receptions for 60 yards. That said, it's assumed that Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers could look toward the 22-year-old more often with Pittman sidelined, potentially for at least a month. 

"I think I've progressed each week, just learning a lot," Bernard said. "Learning a lot from Aaron, learning more with the defenses and different coverages and disguises. Just asking questions. I feel like my game has grown knowledge-wise."

Germie Bernard ready to "step up" with Michael Pittman Jr. out of the lineup

Pro-Football-Reference stats show that Rodgers began Friday ranked 22nd in the league among qualified players with a 44.5 adjusted QBR and 19th with an 81.6 passer rating for the season. Such numbers serve as a reminder that the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer is no longer physically what he was in his prime and, thus, needs receivers to create plays on Sundays.

"I'm excited to step into the new role and do what I can do to help the team have success," Bernard added during his comments. "I think we have a lot of great, talented guys in our room that are more than prepared to take on what's at hand. For me, I'm ready to step up and do what I can to help the team have success."

As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Steelers as 2.5-point home favorites over the Colts. Perhaps Bernard will produce a breakout performance at Pittsburgh's Acrisure Stadium this Sunday to help the Steelers improve to 3-2.