The Pittsburgh Steelers enter Sunday’s Week 6 road game at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a smaller margin for error at wide receiver. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) is on injured reserve while fellow receivers Roman Wilson (finger) and Ben Skowronek (calf) will miss the game.
That makes the personnel formula discussed on this week’s crossover episode more than a stylistic preference. It could be the Steelers’ practical answer to a depleted receiver room.
Locked On Steelers host Chris Carter argued that Pittsburgh should lean into two- and three-tight-end packages, rather than repeatedly spreading the field with 11 personnel. Carter’s preferred version of the offense puts Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a formation that can threaten defenses with the run, quick throws and multiple eligible targets without asking one receiver to win every matchup alone.
The Steelers’ official depth chart lists Rodgers behind center, Jaylen Warren at running back and Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington at tight end. Wide receivers DK Metcalf and Germie Bernard remain the clearest perimeter options, but Warren’s production and the tight ends’ ability to block or release into routes give Pittsburgh flexibility while its receiver depth is compromised.
Carter’s point was not that Rodgers needs to turn every snap into a deep shot. He cited Warren’s 80-yard catch and run against Indianapolis as an example of how Rodgers can create explosive plays by identifying the favorable outlet and getting the ball out quickly. For Pittsburgh, that approach can help reduce the number of obvious passing situations that allow defenses to crowd Metcalf or pressure Rodgers.
The matchup still presents a serious test. The Buccaneers have Calijah Kancey at defensive line and Vita Vea at nose tackle, a pairing Carter identified as the central challenge for Pittsburgh’s interior blockers, including center Zach Frazier. Locked On Bucs host James Yarcho also pointed to the value of attacking Rodgers with pressure, particularly on third down. Tampa Bay’s official depth chart lists Kancey and Vea as starters in its front.
That is why Warren’s role matters beyond the ground game. If Pittsburgh can establish enough credible rushing looks and get Freiermuth or Washington into space off play action, Rodgers has more ways to punish extra defenders committed to the box. If Tampa Bay wins early downs and forces long third-down attempts, the Steelers will be relying on a thinner receiver rotation to beat tighter coverage.
Pittsburgh’s roster situation puts added weight on the 12 and 13 personnel plan Carter described. The Steelers play the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, and how often they can keep Warren and their tight ends involved may decide whether Rodgers gets the manageable situations the offense needs.
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