The Steelers are heading into Week 6 short on healthy wide receivers.
Michael Pittman is on injured reserve and the team is set to be without Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek as well when they take the field in Tampa this Sunday. That leaves three wideouts on the active roster, although rookie Kaden Wetjen has yet to play an offensive snap yet this season.
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The team has three more wideouts on the practice squad and quarterback Aaron Rodgers expressed his faith in Brandon Smith, Brandon Johnson, and Isaiah Hodgins while discussing the team’s options on Wednesday.
“I have a lot of trust in those guys,” Rodgers said, via the team’s website. “I’ve always been a fan of Brandon Johnson; he had his locker right next to mine last year and we had some great conversations. He’s played and played well when he’s gotten opportunities. Obviously, I know B. Smith from New York and I’m a big believer in him. And then Isaiah was here with us last year, then went to New York and made a bunch of plays. I like those guys a lot.”
The Steelers’ ability to weather the injuries should be helped by how Rodgers uses all of the available targets. Running back Jaylen Warren and tight end Pat Freiermuth are tied with DK Metcalf for the team lead in catches while tight end Darnell Washington has also been used frequently in the passing game.