There's always excitement when a rookie has their first anything in the NFL, especially when it's a touchdown or an incredible play.
In Week 6 of the NFL, several rookies scored their first career NFL touchdown; among them just so happened to be former Alabama teammates Germie Bernard and Josh Cuevas.
Bernard was drafted No. 47 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, viewed as someone who would surely make his way into a Steelers offense that was looking to inject youth, explosiveness, and depth into their pass-catching corps. Bernard excelled across multiple roles during his college career at Washington and Alabama. His ability to line up on the outside, in the slot, or even move around the formation made him a shiny addition for the black and gold.
At 6 feet 1 inch and 206 pounds, with speed combined with physical run-after-catch ability, Bernard can serve as a solid weapon for a challenged receiver corps. Veteran Michael Pittman Jr. re-aggravated a left foot (plantar fasciitis) injury during practice on Oct. 7 and was placed on injured reserve (IR) three days later.
The injury to Pittman has allowed Bernard to grow into a bigger role, and he has taken full advantage of the opportunity, scoring not only his first career touchdown on Sunday, but also the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With DK Metcalf serving as the main target for Aaron Rodgers and all indications of Pittman's return pointing to later in the season, Bernard can continue to benefit and score more touchdowns in the expanded role. The Steelers need consistent production from the players around Metcalf to prevent opposing defenses from focusing too heavily on him; Bernard provides a fresh perspective.
Sitting at 4-2 on the season and looking to repeat winning the AFC North division and potentially jump the Cleveland Browns, who share the same record and whom they will face in Week 8, while also fending off the Baltimore Ravens, whom they will face in Week 18; a young talent like Bernard can help the Steelers reach their goals.
The AFC North has been one of the most interesting divisions thus far; the division has had its fair share of injuries this season, and each team is attempting to stay ahead of the next. The division includes the Browns (4-2), Steelers (4-2), Ravens (4-2), and Cincinnati Bengals (3-2).
Week after week, new names appear on injury reports. In fact, the Browns and Ravens alone combined for 38 players on their weekly injury reports ahead of their Week 6 matchup, while the division as a whole has accumulated dozens of injuries, which has created opportunities for many.
Tight end Josh Cuevas stepped into an expanded role while teammate Matt Hibner was sidelined with a hand injury. Cuevas was game-ready when needed for the challenge; he recorded four receptions for 44 yards and his first career touchdown on five targets, scoring the lone touchdown in the Ravens' 13-10 loss to the Browns.
These emerging rookies are injecting necessary depth into a division defined by attrition, where their ability to capitalize on expanded snaps could ultimately dictate the tiebreakers for the AFC North title.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Bernard and Cuevas can grow in their young NFL careers.