Michael Pittman Jr.’s trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers has added another established option to a crowded receiver room.
Preseason Week 1 offered an early look at the competition behind the starters, with usage providing clues about how teams are sorting out their depth charts.
Pittman’s Arrival Sparks Pittsburgh’s Crowded Receiver Room
Pittman did not play against Green Bay, and neither did D.K. Metcalf, leaving second-round rookie Germie Bernard and third-year receiver Roman Wilson as the primary receivers.
Bernard caught four passes for 51 yards, while Wilson had one catch for seven yards.
Both were catching passes from backup quarterbacks.
Bernard played more than twice as many slot snaps as Wilson, an important detail because Metcalf and Pittman have primarily played outside receiver during their careers.
Still, both Bernard and Wilson played through the first half after several starters had exited, suggesting there was no clear winner in the competition.
The winner may have limited fantasy value unless injuries continue to affect Metcalf or Pittman; in that scenario, one of the two could finish second on the team in targets.
Colbie Young Threatens Cincinnati’s Third Receiver Spot
Fourth-round pick Colbie Young took two snaps on the Bengals’ first two drives in place of Tee Higgins while Joe Burrow was still playing.
One snap came in 11 personnel and another came in 12 personnel, where Young replaced Higgins rather than Andrei Iosivas.
The Bengals’ top two running backs and top two tight ends left the game, but Iosivas continued playing with the backups.
That usage suggests his job as Cincinnati’s third wide receiver might not be secure.
If Young plays well enough and Ja’Marr Chase or Higgins misses time, Young could be the player to target on the waiver wire rather than Iosivas.
Detroit and New England Offer Depth-Chart Clues
The Detroit Lions reshaped their receiver room this offseason, and veteran addition Cedrick Wilson played all 15 snaps across the first three drives.
Detroit used 11 personnel on all 15 of those snaps, with Greg Dortch and Jackson Meeks rotating at the third receiver spot.
Wilson and Dortch both stopped playing at the end of the first quarter, a sign that their roster spots appear secure.
In New England, DeMario Douglas rested alongside the starters while Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins played with backups.
The Patriots have added A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, and Douglas has worked as the slot receiver in practice.
The preseason usage suggests Douglas is the clear third wide receiver on the depth chart, although New England’s receiver depth could limit fantasy value outside of Brown.
Fantasy Stock Reset After Week 1 Usage
| Player | Team | Preseason Week 1 takeaway | Fantasy outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Pittman Jr. | Steelers | Did not play as Bernard and Wilson handled primary receiver duties. | His health and Pittsburgh’s receiver rotation remain central to the outlook. |
| Germie Bernard | Steelers | Had four catches for 51 yards and played more than twice as many slot snaps as Wilson. | Could become more relevant if injuries affect Pittsburgh’s top receivers. |
| Colbie Young | Bengals | Played with the starters in both 11 and 12 personnel. | Has a path to a larger role if he continues to push Iosivas. |
| Cedrick Wilson | Lions | Played all 15 snaps over the first three drives. | His early exit alongside Dortch suggests a favorable roster position. |
| DeMario Douglas | Patriots | Rested with the starters while Boutte and Hollins played with backups. | Appears positioned as New England’s third receiver. |
Week 1 Provides Early Usage Data
Pittsburgh’s Bernard-Wilson competition, Young’s usage in Cincinnati, and the receiver rotations in Detroit and New England each offered early indications of how those depth charts are taking shape.
For fantasy managers, Week 1 usage is useful early data rather than a final verdict.
