Steelers WR Germie Bernard caught 6 of 9 targets for 80 yards in Sunday’s 34-22 win over the Colts. His longest catch went for 25 yards, and he added 4 yards on a carry. That added up to 14.4 PPR points. Bernard led Pittsburgh in targets and became the every-down receiver with Michael Pittman Jr. on injured reserve. Over the first three drives, he and DK Metcalf each played 19 of 20 snaps.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Full-Time Due to WR Injuries
This was a breakout compared to Bernard’s first four games. He entered with just 7 catches for 60 yards on 11 targets, averaging 15.0 yards per game. Sunday’s 6 catches nearly matched that total, and his 80 yards beat it. The role change drove it. Pittsburgh chose Bernard to replace Pittman rather than expanding Roman Wilson’s role. Wilson was rotated out more often before leaving with a hand injury, and Ben Skowronek (calf) also left early. Bernard got 9 of Aaron Rodgers’ 30 targets (30%), far ahead of Metcalf’s 4. Indianapolis entered allowing the 6th-most PPR points to WRs (38.2 per game) and ranked 27th in our pass defense power rankings.
Pittsburgh visits the Buccaneers in Week 6, then hosts the Saints and Browns. Tampa Bay allows the 4th-fewest PPR points to WRs (24.2 per game) and ranks 19th in our pass defense power rankings. New Orleans ranks 23rd (28.2) but 25th in our pass defense power rankings. Cleveland is the best spot, allowing the 10th-most WR points (36.9) and ranking 17th in our pass defense power rankings. Bernard should be a full-time starter for at least the next three weeks, making him a top waiver target if Wilson misses additional time.
