Germie Bernard Has Huge Opportunity After Steelers WR Injuries

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have been very impressed with the work of rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard. The team's recent second-round draft pick arrived at camp ready to compete, and it didn't take long for him to cut into the first-team snaps.

The Steelers may be calling upon the rookie receiver to play a pivotal role in the team's preseason opener. Top wideout Michael Pittman Jr. suffered an upper-body injury during a recent practice, and he's been limited in the team's final practices before taking on the Green Bay Packers. In addition, top receiver DK Metcalf was a spectator as the team took things inside for a recent practice.

For Bernard, it's another opportunity. Of course, this one comes with just a bit more pressure, as he gets acquainted with starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the first-team offense.

"It's a great opportunity to get in there with A-Rod and kind of just learn everything about him. Learn his signals and everything," he said. "I'm still asking questions from DK (Metcalf) and Pitt (Pittman Jr.), so those guys are doing a great job of teaching everybody in the room and making sure that everybody is falling in line."

Steelers Relying on Bernard in Preseason Opener

Based on how the practice reps have gone so far, the Steelers are ready to give Bernard a huge opportunity against the Packers. The young receiver has been playing plenty with the first-team offense, and if both DK and MPJ are not active, that leaves him and Roman Wilson as the top options.

Luckily for Bernard, he thrives on being available in any and all situations. It's something he believes he has always brought to the football field, and versatility remains a top priority as he establishes himself as a professional.

"Just being versatile," he stated. "That's something I hold dearly to my heart just because it presents me with a alot of opportunities."

May 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard (17) participates in OTA drills at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Can Bernard Fill The Gap?

Bernard does not lack confidence, but can he match that with production on the field? That will be the toughest challenge for the rookie receiver, who will have to create chemistry with more than one quarterback against the Packers.

Asked what he tries to do when filling in for players like DK and Pittman Jr., Bernard kept it simple. Sure, he can't replicate the size those two hulking pass-catchers inherently provide, but he can bring something even better: himself.

"I'll be myself," he said.

And the Steelers are planning to let Germie be himself in the preseason opener. Now, let's see where that takes him.

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