Aaron Rodgers' favorite Steelers receiver is obvious as DK Metcalf frustrations clear
Aaron Rodgers' favorite Steelers receiver is obvious as DK Metcalf frustrations clear
Charlie WilsonSun, October 25, 2026 at 6:19 PM UTC
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Aaron Rodgers is continuing to put faith in rookie star Germie Bernard -Credit:Getty (Getty)
PARIS - Aaron Rodgers knows his most talented wide receiver is their No. 4, outside star, DK Metcalf... but he doesn't appear to have much faith in him when it really matters.
While Rodgers connected with Metcalf twice in the game for 54 yards, one coming on a huge downfield shot for 51 yards, the legendary quarterback failed to hide his frustrations with him. On one throw, Rodgers put up his hands, seemingly not too happy with Metcalf's route. He had six targets, catching two.
Meanwhile, rookie receiver Germie Bernard continues to emerge after Rodgers expressed confidence in him earlier in the week. The Steelers are using Bernard in an intriguing role, asking him to be the motion man while running a multitude of routes. Bernard revealed last week that Rodgers called plays himself at one point in their win over Tampa Bay.
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Rodgers is famous for putting little faith in rookies, but he regularly looks for Bernard - even if the play isn't designed for him, with the quarterback not afraid to throw to him even if he's later in his progression.
Speaking earlier this week, Rodgers said, "There comes a time when the confidence starts to match the potential, and I think we're reaching that time with Germie. Very proud of him."
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Rodgers did connect with Metcalf on a 51-yard pass -Credit:GETTY
Bernard had just three catches in the game for 27 targets, but five targets while being used across the formation.
But when it comes to the end zone, Rodgers again found success in targeting his unique tight end in Darnell Washington.
The 300lbs man is one of the biggest tight ends in NFL history, used primarily as an extra blocker, has emerged as a go-to target for Rodgers in certain situations - using his big body to box out defensive backs.
Washington scored his third touchdown of the season against the New Orleans Saints in Paris, doing just this on an exceptional throw from Rodgers.
Darnell Washington scored another redzone touchdowns -Credit:Getty Images
Rodgers admitted he would like to see his wide receivers win more of their one-on-ones throughout the game, as he took three sacks with no one open to throw to.
The Steelers traded a second-round pick to acquire Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks before making him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
While continuing to make splash plays, Metcalf has failed to establish himself as a reliable number-one option - a spot that could be open for Bernard if he continues his trajectory.
And although Metcalf has been a deadly weapon in the red zone, Washington's emergence could take away some of his opportunities.
Source: “AOL Sports”
