Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers will be without a key offensive weapon Sunday against the Patriots.
Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Colts, has been ruled out with a foot injury.
The Steelers will also be without starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr. — who is in the middle of a contract fight — after he left practice Thursday with a back issue.
Pittman, 28, had three receptions for a team-high 58 yards in a 20-13 win over the Falcons in Week 1.
The seven-year veteran also missed much of training camp with an undisclosed injury.
Pittman’s absence will leave receivers DK Metcalf and Jaylen Warren as Rodgers’ primary targets, along with tight ends Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth.
Second-round pick Germie Bernard also figures to see an expanded role.
“I think he’s done a nice job,” Rodgers said of Bernard earlier this month. “He’s got a great attitude. He really wants to learn. The best thing I can say about him is he hasn’t made repeat mistakes. There’s no mistakes going to happen. It’s part of the game, especially for young guys.
“But when he does make a mistake, he takes it to heart and studies it and makes sure he doesn’t repeat that thing.”
Drake Maye and the Patriots dropped their season opener 13-10 in a rematch of their Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks.
