The Steelers may already have a player on the roster who looks capable of becoming a true star, and he isn’t lining up at quarterback.
With the fanbase still fixated on the long-term answer under center after Aaron Rodgers moves on, rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard has been making a loud case for himself during the preseason. Pittsburgh wrapped up its preseason game against the Buffalo Bills with a loss, but Bernard once again gave the team something to feel good about.
His best moment came early. In the first quarter, Will Howard hit Bernard on a quick screen designed to pick up a few yards. Bernard turned it into much more, breaking a tackle, slipping two defenders, and finishing the play with a 13-yard touchdown.
That kind of play is becoming the rookie’s calling card. He keeps showing that he can do damage with the ball in his hands, turning routine throws into chunk gains and bad situations into positive ones. The speed may not have been the headline trait in his scouting report, but it has shown up in game action this preseason.
Pittsburgh is counting on Bernard to be part of the offense right away, and what he has put on tape so far should make the coaching staff feel better about that plan. He already looks like a quarterback-friendly target because he can create after the catch and manufacture yards that aren’t there on the initial design.
There is still a battle at wide receiver worth watching, especially for the third spot on the depth chart. Bernard and Roman Wilson have been fighting for that role throughout camp and the preseason. Wilson’s limited usage could point to an edge heading into the regular season, but Bernard has delivered the more electric plays when the lights come on.
That matters for a Steelers team that leans veteran and for a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, who has a preference for veterans. Even so, Bernard has given himself a real chance to break through that barrier. He’s already showing polished route-running, and his work after the catch has been even more impressive.
At this point, it’s getting tougher to dismiss what Bernard is showing. The Steelers may have found more than just a useful rookie receiver. They may have found a player with superstar potential.
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