Steelers rookie Germie Bernard catches 11 passes, earns top waiver add
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The gist
Steelers rookie receiver Germie Bernard caught 11 of 12 targets for 87 yards and a touchdown in a 26-19 overtime win over Tampa Bay.
His rise up Pittsburgh's depth chart makes him a top fantasy pickup and possible permanent WR2.
Background
Germie Bernard is a rookie wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, an Alabama product drafted by Pittsburgh and wearing No. 17. He entered the season as Pittsburgh's fourth receiver behind DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr., but injuries to Wilson (finger), Pittman (foot) and special teams player Ben Skowronek pushed him up the depth chart. His breakout came with quarterback Aaron Rodgers testing him on the field and in the film room.
How it unfolded
- Oct 11, 2026Bernard carries the ball in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
- Oct 18, 2026He catches 11 of 12 targets for 87 yards and a touchdown in the Steelers' 26-19 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, running a team-high 54 routes on Rodgers' 56 dropbacks.
- Oct 19, 2026NFL.com names him the top waiver-wire add for Week 7, rostered in 44% of leagues.
- Oct 20, 2026He is nominated for the FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week award.
- Oct 21, 2026Reports say he may have taken the WR2 role for good from Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr.
- Oct 23, 2026He is listed as a Week 7 start over DK Metcalf in fantasy start/sit advice.
- Oct 25, 2026Season totals listed: 6 games, 32 targets, 24 receptions, 227 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD and a 57% offensive snap share.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- NFL.com calls Bernard the top waiver-wire add for the week after his game against the Buccaneers.
- Analysts
- Athlon Sports says his response to Rodgers' testing might have earned him the WR2 role for good.
- Fantasy
- Yahoo Sports calls him a great Week 7 play and a safer option than DK Metcalf, especially in PPR leagues.
- Caution
- FantasyBot projects Bernard as a bench stash and depth option rather than a weekly starter.
Still unverified
Whether Bernard has taken the WR2 position for good is framed as an open question; the source says Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. could still have roles when they return from injury.