The Indianapolis Colts had very little choice but to expel wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the roster this past offseason. The expectation was that he would be released because of his $29 million salary. Instead, the Pittsburgh Steelers took on part of Pittman's contract by trading for him. They might regret the move.
Sure, we are only four games into the season, but what is clear is that Pittman has been terrible with Pittsburgh. Could he improve? Maybe, but he is hampered by an injured foot and by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is playing as if he is 362 years old. Plus, one long-term truth about Pittman is continuing to play out with the Steelers.
The receiver cannot get separation from the player covering him. This is one reason Pittman only averaged 9.8 yards per catch for Indy last season. In 2026, he is averaging just 7.4 yards per target. Rodgers' quarterback rating when targeting Pittman is only 46.9.
Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is struggling with the Steelers
The receiver has missed one game because of his nagging foot issue, but in the other three, he has caught just seven passes on 12 targets for 89 yards. Three of those catches have gone for first downs, a terrible ratio for an outside wideout.
Though he is only 29 years old, Pittman is playing as if he is much older. He hasn't been explosive for many years (if ever), but he's diminished in that aspect, too.
In Week 5, he might have a chance to prove to the Indianapolis Colts that they should have simply paid him far more money than his football value was worth and never traded him. Pittsburgh will host Indy on Sunday, but Pittman's success is unlikely.
He was limited in practice on Wednesday because of his foot issue, but that might be the least of his problems. He still has Rodgers throwing him the ball, but against what should be an extra-motivated Sauce Gardner and an in-form Charvarius Ward. One will be tasked with stopping Pittman, and one will be tasked with limiting DK Metcalf.
Gardner had arguably the worst game of his career in Week 4 when he allowed more than 100 yards receiving while going up against a third-string quarterback for the Washington Commanders. On Wednesday, Gardner said he was "embarrassed" by his performance. One should not expect him to repeat that on Sunday.
Not that it would matter much for Michael Pittman Jr. He is obviously not the same receiver who had two 1,000-yard seasons for Indianapolis. Instead, he is a slightly injured, slower version of that former self. That shouldn't equate to sudden production against Ward and Gardner.
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