The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced their list of inactive players for the upcoming Wild Card game against the Houston Texans. The inactives include receiver Roman Wilson, running back Kaleb Johnson, cornerback Tre Flowers, linebacker Jeremiah Moon, offensive tackle Jack Driscoll, defensive tackle Logan Lee, and Will Howard as the third quarterback.
According to team officials, the Steelers enter this playoff matchup with a healthy roster. For the second consecutive week, no starters are on the inactive list.
“It’s a good feeling,” said cornerback Brandin Echols. “It’s a good sign because we’ve all built our chemistry over the course of the year, so for all of us to be here and be able to go out there and play together in a meaningful game like this, it means a lot for us.”
The team’s receiving unit will benefit from DK Metcalf’s return after serving a suspension that kept him out of the last two games. During the regular season, Metcalf recorded 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns.
“You know what type of player DK is,” said tight end Connor Heyward. “We obviously know that we missed him and we had to step up without him.
“But with him coming back, that gives us a lot of confidence, and also more points and just more opportunities for us on the field.
“He’s just a special player that we missed and a player that takes us over the top.”
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith commented on Metcalf’s return: “Every week is a different story, but obviously getting DK back, it’s like any time you get one of your best players back, it certainly helps,” said Smith. “Guys have stepped up including Scotty (Miller), (Adam) Thielen, Quez (Marquez Valdez-Scantling), Calvin (Austin III), Pat (Freiermuth), all those guys; Jonnu (Smith), Connor (Heyward), Cam (Heyward) now on offense.
“So, it’s fun to watch.”
Metcalf’s size at 6-foot-4 and 229 pounds brings additional physicality to Pittsburgh’s offense.
“DK is the number one receiver,” said quarterback Aaron Rodgers. “So, it’s great having DK back. He’s really thankful to be back. I know we’re all thankful to have him back as well. DK, one of the things I love about him, there’s a lot of things, but DK kind of knows one speed. So although it’s like a fast jog through (Thursday) or a fast walk through I guess as they say—not for me and DK. So I like the work that we put in.”
Metcalf expressed his gratitude for returning: “It feels great especially—we get to play another game,” he said. “My teammates gave me another opportunity to come back so just a big shout out to them.”
Linebacker T.J. Watt returned last week against Baltimore after missing three games due to health issues related to his lungs and reported feeling strong following his first full week back at practice.
“I feel great,” said Watt. “Really confident with how last week went. Body feels really good. Extra day is really helpful obviously for a lot of guys in this locker room. I’m just excited to go out and play in front of Steelers Nation again.”
Watt played 83% of defensive snaps against Baltimore—43 total—and made an interception during that game.
“I’m not surprised at anything I get from T.J.” said defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “I know the way the guy is always in shape.
“He had a setback but it wasn’t one of those things where you worry about him getting so far out of shape or so weak that he wouldn’t be able to work. So it was good to get 43 snaps out of him.”
Austin added that while Watt felt ready during last week’s game after being monitored closely by staff throughout playtime:
“You’ve got a guy that’s missed three weeks,” Austin continued.”Coming back everybody thinks ‘Oh I’ll just come back in and be same guy I was.’ It’s going take you minute get your legs underneath you get used timing everything…There’s whole bunch goes into it…as you get back into game you have get those things working again…I assume he’ll be better this week than he was last week…”
Watt also praised training staff efforts:
“Honestly I am really pleased with how I felt,” Watt said.”Hats off training staff strength staff getting me ready go.Felt great out there.”
Fans interested in watching can access live coverage via NFL+, which offers streaming options for local games along with additional features such as NFL RedZone and audio broadcasts.
