‘We Didn’t Blink’: McCarthy Praises Steelers’ Young Wide Receivers
· Yahoo Sports
PITTSBURGH — With Ben Skowronek (calf) and Roman Wilson (hand) out for the entire second half, the Pittsburgh Steelers were down to just DK Metcalf, Germie Bernard, Brandon Smith and Kaden Wetjen as their available wide receivers in Sunday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts.
The Steelers were already thin at the wide receiver position with Michael Pittman Jr. on injured reserve. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy did not have an update on either Skowronek or Wilson’s injury after the game, so it’s unclear how serious the injuries are.
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McCarthy was pleased with how the young WRs stepped up, however.
“It’s a real credit to the young guys because we didn’t blink. We didn’t change anything,” McCarthy said. “Ben’s been excellent for us. We’ve been packaging him, so to lose him in the flow of the game was an adjustment. I thought Brandon did a nice job with his opportunities. We were focused on Germ getting more opportunities today. He definitely delivered. … Losing those guys in the flow of the game and not having to cross plays off your call sheet speaks volumes for our guys. Even our tight ends. Obviously, we went more tight end emphasis personnel there. We were able to stay with the game plan.”
Bernard finished with six receptions for 80 yards (13.3 average) in his first career start. Brandon Smith, who played with Aaron Rodgers in New York, also received praise from the four-time NFL MVP after the game.
Bernard got extensive playing time in Week 2 against the New England Patriots when Pittman was inactive.
Bernard will be a starter for multiple weeks with Pittman on IR. He’s ready to take on that role.
“Like I always say, my preparation is always the same. I’m preparing like I’m the starter; I’m always prepared and ready for whatever comes my way,” Bernard said in the week leading up to the Colts game. “I’m excited to step into a new role.”
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
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