Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard had 11 receptions in Sunday’s 26-19 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That is the most receptions for a Steelers rookie wide receiver in a single game in franchise history, surpassing JuJu Smith-Schuster‘s nine receptions against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 of 2017.
Bernard finished with 11 receptions for 87 yards (7.9 average) and one touchdown. Bernard’s first career touchdown was the game-winner for the Steelers in overtime. Rodgers connected to Bernard in the flat for a 6-yard touchdown.
Najee Harris has the most receptions in a game for a Steelers rookie, catching 14 passes for 102 yards in 2021 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Bernard also holds the record for most receptions from Aaron Rodgers in a game, according to the CBS broadcast.
Rodgers gave Bernard a ringing endorsement after the win.
“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,” the four-time NFL MVP said.
Germie Bernard's FIRST career touchdown gives Pittsburgh the lead in overtime 👏 pic.twitter.com/o9aIhjS7ma
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 18, 2026
Bernard has taken advantage of the opportunity with Michael Pittman Jr. on injured reserve.
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy raved about Bernard during his weekly press conference last Monday.
“Football comes easy to him,” McCarthy said. “I think there’s some young-guy mistakes he made yesterday, but you can see it coming. I think he’s acclimated very well to the offense. The ability to play all three positions, he sticks his nose in there in the run game too. I’ve been very, very impressed.”
Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio has taken notice, too. Bernard can block. He fights for yards after the catch, can make things happen on a jet sweep or vacuum in a pass in the flat.
“There’s a lot we can do with Germ,” Angelichio said.
As much as his physical abilities shine through, Bernard feels like the mental side of his game has blossomed. With Pittman, Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek all shelved, Bernard will get more of a chance to show his talent.
Through six games, Bernard has 24 receptions for 227 yards (9.5 average) and one touchdown. Bernard currently leads all NFL wide receivers in yards after the catch this season with 68, according to Pro Football Focus.
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe contributed.
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