The Pittsburgh Steelers have released their list of inactive players for Week 18’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. Wide receiver Roman Wilson, running back Kaleb Johnson, cornerback Tre Flowers, linebacker Jeremiah Moon, offensive lineman Jack Driscoll, and third quarterback Will Howard will not be active for tonight’s matchup.
Unlike previous weeks when several starters were sidelined due to injuries, this week’s inactives reflect a healthier roster as the team prepares for a crucial game. The focus is on who is returning to play rather than those sitting out.
Linebacker T.J. Watt returns after missing three games with a lung issue. “I feel pretty good, honestly,” said Watt on Friday. “Don’t know if I could say that a week ago, but I feel really good.
“I feel really confident about the week in practice and excited to play.”
Watt noted his strong performance during practice contributed to his readiness for tonight’s contest. “I had a great week of practice, had no limitations,” he said. “Tried to simulate as much as I could with shoulder pads and stuff like that. You can only simulate so much, so I feel really good right now.
“Hopefully that’s the case (tonight) as well.”
He emphasized the importance of returning for this game: “This is a huge game, obviously,” said Watt. “I’m really excited to get back out here in front of Steelers Nation and leave it all on the field.”
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin welcomed Watt’s return: “You always want a guy that has T.J.’s ability and the ability to impact the game the way he does,” said Austin. “So, it’ll be great to have him back. What capacity we’ll find out. But it’ll be great to have him back.
“I would think that he’ll only strengthen our group and how we play and all those things.”
Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward commented on what Watt brings: “We’re going to need all the tools we can get,” said Heyward. “Baltimore’s coming here and having T.J. back definitely stabilizes our group. But we’re not just looking to throw him out there and everybody be scared. We need T.J. to play T.J. ball.”
Rookie Jack Sawyer expressed enthusiasm about Watt’s return: “It means everything to this defense, and not only just the defense, but the whole team having our captain back,” said Sawyer. “One of the best to ever do it. To put a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform on, the energy he brings and the intensity he brings, ignites the whole team.
“Having him back is huge.”
On offense, wide receiver Calvin Austin III also returns after missing last week’s game against Cleveland due to a hamstring injury.
“Calvin’s a fast guy,” said quarterback Aaron Rodgers. “Good route runner. Been consistent for us when he’s been healthy, and it’d be good to have him back.”
Cornerback Brandin Echols reenters action after missing time as well.
“I was ready last week to get back, just to be ready to play these guys,” said Echols. “It’s a blessing to be able to come out here, step on the field with these guys, do it again.”
Heyward added about Echols’ presence: “It kind of frees Jalen (Ramsey) up to play around a little bit,” he said.” And then Echols makes plays, whether it’s picking off the ball or sacking Lamar (Jackson) last time.
“He is a force in run and pass. Knows where he needs to be, and he’s an established guy.”
Linebacker Malik Harrison remains another key contributor despite suffering a bone bruise recently; Harrison previously played five seasons with Baltimore before joining Pittsburgh this year.
“He’s been outstanding,” said Austin.” I know he got banged up in the first game of the year and he missed some time.But since he’s been back , he’s been really good .
“We try to use him in run situations and he’s a stout run defender . He’s big human . Good guy . And so , he’s really impactful . I know in first game he got injured , but he was playing well & physical , doing things needed him do.So , we’ll expect that again this week .
“But he has been giving that for us & it’s been really beneficial.It also freed Payton (Wilson) up do things does best , which covering blitzing all stuff.So , it’s kind worked out us .
“We’re letting guys play skillsets.And that’s why we’re able play little better .”
Fans interested in following tonight’s action can access live coverage through NFL+, offering mobile streaming options including local games and other features.
The Steelers compete professionally within the National Football League, holding their home games at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The franchise boasts six Super Bowl championships in its history.
