The Pittsburgh Steelers escaped Week 1 with a 20-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons, but the result did not erase the concern surrounding their wide receiver room. The offense left plays on the field, and rookie Germie Bernard barely had a chance to affect the outcome in his first regular-season appearance.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stands on the field and looks into the distance with his play sheet in hand as the team works out during a 2026 training camp practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Bernard logged three offensive snaps and four on special teams. He was not targeted or given enough work to show whether he can immediately become another reliable option.
That small role became part of a much larger conversation during Steelers insider Jim Wexell's analysis of the opener. Wexell argued that Pittsburgh has spent too long without adequately solving its receiver problem, and he placed the responsibility squarely on General Manager Omar Khan.
"Doesn't justify anything," Wexell said. "It justifies a seat on the bench. I mean, how much more can we... They have a receiver issue ever since Antonio Brown, and this is Omar Khan's great fault."
Wexell's point was not that Bernard is the problem. A second-round rookie cannot be expected to repair a position group by himself, particularly when he receives only three offensive snaps in his debut. The issue is that Pittsburgh still needs dependable production around DK Metcalf, and Bernard's quiet debut showed how little immediate margin the room has when the passing game gets uneven.
"Get somebody," Wexell said. "Germie Bernard is a nice start, but it takes time, just like it's gonna take time with the right tackle."
That criticism will sound harsh after a victory, especially because Bernard was not ignored completely. Wexell noted that some of the rookie's limited offensive plays came in meaningful situations inside the flow of the game. The ball simply never went his direction, leaving Steelers fans with a snap count rather than a real first impression of what he can add.
The Pittsburgh offense did not create the kind of rhythm that would naturally bring every piece of its plan into view. Aaron Rodgers and the offense converted only three of 13 third downs, helping explain why a young receiver's package could stay small even in a game the Steelers controlled late.
Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio explained that the game flow kept the offense from getting deep into its broader bag of concepts. That is a reasonable football explanation for Bernard's usage, but it does not make the roster question disappear. If Pittsburgh wants its offense to become more explosive, it cannot consistently operate as though one or two established targets are the only answers.
Bernard's lack of targets should not be mistaken for a verdict on his readiness. The rookie is still learning how to translate his college traits into a professional offense, and the staff may be deliberately building his responsibilities. That patient approach can be smart.
It also becomes easier to defend when the receivers already ahead of him are winning consistently. Michael Pittman Jr. made the most of his opportunities against Atlanta with three catches for 58 yards, including a key crossing route. Roman Wilson played 37 offensive snaps, but the offense as a whole still left enough missed chances to make the lack of a larger Bernard role noticeable.
Steelers Cannot Let Bernard's Development Become Their Only Plan
Pittsburgh does not need to overreact to three offensive snaps. Bernard could see a much larger role as the season develops, particularly if Angelichio begins to call more formations and concepts that use his flexibility inside and outside. The rookie deserves time, and one Week 1 game without a target is far too small a sample to label him a disappointment.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard (17) during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Still, Wexell is right about the broader pressure facing Khan. Drafting Bernard is only one step. A rookie's development curve cannot be the entire solution for an offense trying to contend now with Rodgers at quarterback. Wexell finished his analysis by making it clear: Steelers fans should be very worried about the WR room right now.
What do you think, Steelers fans? Should Germie Bernard's role grow immediately, or does Pittsburgh need to find another proven receiver to stabilize the room? Share your Steelers takes with me on X at @anthonyghalkias and follow me for more Pittsburgh Steelers coverage.
#SteelerNation