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A non-factor in Week 1, Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a> rookie wideout Germie Bernard could be among the league’s biggest X-factors of Week 2.<\/p>\n On Saturday, Steelers veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) was ruled out for Sunday’s road opener at the New England Patriots<\/a> (0-1).<\/p>\n Pittman’s absence creates a pathway for Bernard, a 2026 NFL Draft second-round pick (No. 47 overall), to take on a much larger role in the Steelers offense than in last weekend’s 20-13 home win over the Atlanta Falcons<\/a> (0-1).<\/p>\n “With Pittman out,” ESPN Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor wrote on social media, “Bernard is in line to get more snaps.”<\/p>\n Bernard, 22, took more special teams (four) than offensive (three) snaps in Week 1 as Pittman (59 snaps) and D.K. Metcalf (64 snaps) commanded the bulk of wide receiver reps. Per Sumer Sports<\/a>, Pittsburgh operated out of three-wide receiver sets on 57.8 percent of its offensive plays against the Falcons, and second-year receiver Roman Wilson took the majority of those snaps out of 11 personnel, leaving Bernard as the odd-man out.<\/p>\n “Steelers coaches, though,” Pryor added, “have been complimentary of Bernard’s growth, and [quarterback Aaron] Rodgers has praised him for not repeating mistakes.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n