Michael Pittman Jr. enters the 2026 season with the Steelers after a March trade from Indianapolis, where he posted seven receiving touchdowns in 2025. Through three games in Pittsburgh, he recorded seven receptions for 89 yards and zero touchdowns before a recurring left foot injury (plantar fasciitis) sidelined him for Week 2, led to limited snaps upon return, and resulted in his placement on injured reserve in early October. The minimum four-game absence pushes his earliest possible return to Week 10 after the team's bye, with uncertainty around full recovery and snap counts alongside DK Metcalf and emerging options like Roman Wilson. Aaron Rodgers' veteran presence and the team's red-zone distribution will shape Pittman's opportunities once active, though missed games and target competition already constrain his season-long touchdown total relative to prior form.