The Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie WR, Germie Bernard, is struggling to adapt during training camp after high expectations following his draft. Initially seen as pro-ready, Bernard has faced issues with blocking assignments, motion, and pre-snap penalties, leading to his practice time primarily with the second-stringers. Coach Mike McCarthy is concerned about the team's overall pre-snap issues and has emphasized the need for improvement. Although Bernard received praise for stepping up during an injury to teammate Michael Pittman Jr., he risks falling behind as teammate Roman Wilson shows significant progress.

By the Numbers
  • Germie Bernard primarily worked with second-string players during 11-on-11 drills.
  • He has committed multiple pre-snap penalties, including false starts.
Yes, But

Despite his struggles, it's noted that many rookie receivers take time to develop, and Bernard still has the opportunity to earn the coaches' trust. Comparisons with his teammate Roman Wilson highlight the varying paths of their development, which could reflect broader rookie challenges.

State of Play
  • Bernard's participation in second-string plays suggests he is currently not trusted in starting scenarios.
  • Coach Mike McCarthy's focus on pre-snap execution indicates a broader issue within the team that could affect player evaluation.
What's Next

Bernard must quickly improve his grasp of the playbook and reduce pre-snap mistakes if he hopes to move up the depth chart as the season approaches. Continued development and chemistry with veteran QB Aaron Rodgers could be crucial for his future role.

Bottom Line

Germie Bernard's early struggles highlight the complexities of transitioning to the NFL. The emphasis on pre-snap execution will be critical for his integration into the offense, and he needs to address these concerns swiftly to avoid being overshadowed by teammates like Roman Wilson.