GermieBernard

News: 1 day agoBernard will have the opportunity to handle an expanded role in Thursday's preseason opener against the Packers due to injuries to both Michael Pittman (right leg) and DK Metcalf (undisclosed), Jacob Punturi of SI.com reports.

Spin: The Steelers released their initial depth chart Aug. 5, which had Roman Wilson pencilled in as the WR3 behind Pittman and Metcalf, while Bernard was listed as a second-teamer. A second-round selection of the Steelers in the 2026 NFL Draft, Bernard has been battling against Wilson for a spot in three-wide sets, and Thursday's preseason game will provide a stage on which both wideouts can audition for that role.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Bernard was selected by the Steelers in the second round of April's draft. Bernard is a solid, reliable receiver with good size who can align all over the formation (55% slot in 53 collegiate games). Despite playing at three schools in four years, Bernard's production increased each season, including a strong 64-862-7 receiving line (plus 18-101-2 rushing) in 2025. He dropped only four of 240 career targets. Bernard is likely to open his career third in line at receiver behind Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf. That will create a tough path to consistent rookie-season usage and production, so he's only worth draft consideration in the later rounds.