Navigating early-season injuries requires transparency from the coaching staff, particularly when key offseason additions are forced to watch from the sidelines. Addressing reporters regarding wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.'s health status, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy clarified the nature of the wideout’s recent foot issue while leaving his availability for the upcoming game up in the air.
Following the Steelers 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots, McCarthy addressed the media for his regular Monday afternoon press conference. As reported by NFL beat writer Nick Farabaugh, he was asked about Pittman’s foot.
"Mike McCarthy says Michael Pittman Jr.'s foot injury is not the injury he suffered during training camp. McCarthy says Pittman has
taken some positive steps forward on that, but he's unsure if he will be able to suit up against the Bengals," posted Farabaugh on his X account.
Mike McCarthy says Michael Pittman Jr.'s foot injury is not the injury he suffered during training camp.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) September 21, 2026
McCarthy says Pittman has taken some positive steps forward on that, but he's unsure if he will be able to suit up against the Bengals.
McCarthy’s update provides a critical distinction regarding Pittman's physical setback. Pittman previously missed time during summer camp with a separate lower-body ailment, raising concerns among fans and analysts that he had re-aggravated a lingering issue. By confirming that the current foot injury is a fresh development rather than a recurring complication from August, McCarthy raised new alarm bells surrounding the WR2’s availability.
Furthermore, McCarthy noted that Pittman has taken "positive steps forward," suggesting that the medical staff is seeing steady progress in his rehabilitation process. However, positive steps do not automatically translate to immediate clearance for game action.
With a crucial matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on the horizon, McCarthy expressed genuine uncertainty over whether Pittman will be ready to suit up. The coaching staff will likely monitor his participation levels closely throughout practice reps during the week before making a final decision on his availability.
Losing a primary receiving option disrupts game planning and offensive rhythm, forcing secondary receivers to handle larger workloads. While hearing that Pittman avoids a recurring injury offers long-term encouragement, his short-term status remains one of the most vital storylines to track as game day approaches.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: McCarthy clarifies Steelers WR Michael Pittman injury as Week 3 return remains uncertain
