Pittman Proves Readiness With Cleats and Runs Ahead of Steelers Return

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. aims to return to the active roster following the team's upcoming bye week, though he has not yet established a specific timeline for his recovery. The 29-year-old player currently sits on injured reserve after missing five games this season due to a persistent issue with his left foot. His eligibility to return stems from league rules that require players on injured reserve to miss at least four games, a threshold Pittman reached on October 10. The Steelers are scheduled to play the Cincinnati Bengals on November 15.

Pittman arrived in Pittsburgh in March as a high-profile trade acquisition from the Indianapolis Colts. The team signed him to a three-year contract worth $59 million, with the expectation that he would form a dynamic duo with DK Metcalf. However, the receiver has recorded only seven receptions for 89 yards across three games this season. He also sat out the second week of the season at New England and spent a large portion of training camp and the preseason on the sidelines.

In the locker room on Monday, Pittman wore football cleats while discussing his progress. He reported that he began running again last week, a step forward in his rehabilitation. However, he noted that the initial diagnosis of plantar fasciitis has evolved into a different condition. "It's kind of morphed into something else," Pittman said. He has not provided specific medical details about the new diagnosis.

The wideout acknowledged the personal frustration of dealing with multiple injuries in his seven-year professional career. "Obviously, it's been tough. The most injuries I've had to deal with in my seven years," he said. "It definitely (stinks) to come to a new team and then be riddled by injuries. So I try to get back out there as fast as possible and prove to this team that I came here to better it and not just sit on the sideline."

Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio described Pittman's mental state as positive. "I feel good about where he's at mentally," Angelichio said. "Just getting him up to speed whenever he's healthy. We can't wait to get him back out there." The coordinator added that Pittman has attended all meetings and has been taking notes as part of the game plan.

The Steelers' passing game has been limited for nearly a month. The team lost Roman Wilson to a finger injury and Ben Skowronek to a calf injury. Wilson must remain on injured reserve for at least one more game. In their absence, the offense has relied heavily on tight ends and running backs. Pittman's return would provide the team with a veteran outside threat to complement Metcalf.

Pittman stated that surgery is not an option for his current foot condition. "Surgery just wouldn't fix it," he explained. "It's just something that, once it happens, it's just, you don't fix it." He previously used custom insoles before the injury occurred. His current rehabilitation focuses on strengthening the foot while avoiding overexertion.

The receiver recalled being seen on a knee scooter in the locker room in mid-October. He admitted that the recovery process is unfamiliar to him. "I've never dealt with, like, this foot before, so I don't know what it's supposed to feel like or what it's going to feel like," Pittman said. "We've got a great team here that's been helping me through it, so just got to keep on working every day."

Pittman's career statistics include two seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards with the Indianapolis Colts. He has recorded at least 80 receptions in four separate seasons. His best performance came in 2023, when he caught 109 passes for 1,152 yards. The Steelers will evaluate his status during the bye week before determining if he will play in Cincinnati.