Steelers insider says rookie may not stay quiet for long

When it comes to rookies, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made it a habit of slowly letting them adapt to the NFL speed. But one playmaker from the 2026 NFL Draft class may see far more playing time down the stretch this upcoming season.

According to insider Ray Fittipaldo, Steelers rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard may start off slow, but he should ultimately see his role grow in a big way as the 2026 season plays out.

“I’m really high on Bernard, but you know how [the Steelers] are with rookies,” Fittipaldo said via 93.7 The Fan. I think he’s gonna be worked into the lineup a little bit slower, and I think he’ll probably be a guy you see a lot more in October and November and December than September.”

Bernard, drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, brings impressive versatility to Pittsburgh’s offense, capable of lining up out wide, in the slot, and even out of the backfield as a rookie.

While Steelers fans should temper expectations for Bernard to play a lot in the beginning of the 2026 season, he’ll likely play a large role when it matters most, specifically when the Steelers take part in a brutal six-game stretch from Week 10 to Week 15.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers insider says rookie may not stay quiet for long