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Steelers receivers DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. return to practice after 2-week layoff

TribLIVE.com · Chris Harlan · 2026-08-24T20:31:42+00:00 · nguồn gốc

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ top receivers were back in pads for Monday’s practice, though neither shared details about the ailments that sidelined them for two weeks. DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. said the layoffs didn’t derail their preparation for the regular season but referred other injury-related questions to coaches. Neither receiver had practiced since Aug. 8. “It’s not ideal,” Pittman said after practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “But I feel like I’ve played enough football that I’ll be ready to go when it’s time.” It’s unclear if either receiver will play in Thursday’s preseason finale at Buffalo. The team has 20 days before its regular season opener Sept. 13 against the Atlanta Falcons. “We’ve got three weeks of work, so I think that’s good enough,” Metcalf said. The nature of his injury is undisclosed, but Metcalf said “everything was good” Monday. Pittman sustained an apparent leg injury in the Saturday Night Lights practice. Metcalf was the team’s leading receiver last season with 850 yards and six touchdowns on 59 catches. The Steelers added a second reliable pass-catcher to the offense in March by trading for Pittman and signing him to a three-year, $59 million extension. Pittman had a pair of 1,000-yard receiving seasons with the Colts. Neither receiver played in the first two preseason games. However, Pittman said they both have stayed engaged despite not practicing. “Really just mentally being on top of things,” he said. “We haven’t got the physical reps, but we got the mental reps for sure.” Both are learning a new offense. Coach Mike McCarthy has emphasized position flexibility for receivers, meaning they need to understand the offense from multiple spots. Metcalf said mental reps can still make that possible. “Just make sure I know the plays (and) the assignments for everybody lining up on the field at the same time because I may be in either position,” Metcalf said. “Just go through the route in my head, what I would do.”