DK Metcalf missed Friday’s practice with an illness and is questionable for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ game at Tampa Bay. Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek are already out, and Michael Pittman Jr. is on injured reserve. The receiver losses that began against Indianapolis were difficult enough to absorb. Losing Metcalf as well would leave Aaron Rodgers without his go-to wideout and make an already thin passing game tough to disguise.
The official October 16 report lists Metcalf as a Friday nonparticipant, but his game status is unknown. Wilson (finger), Skowronek (calf), and DeShon Elliott (knee) are out. Jalen Ramsey (wrist), Rico Dowdle (toe), Jamel Dean (ankle) and Keeanu Benton (ankle) are questionable. Benton returned to full practice Friday, as did T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, whose earlier entries were for rest. Elliott practiced on a limited basis but remains on injured reserve.
Player | Position | Injury | Wed. | Thur. | Fri. | Game Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jalen Ramsey | CB | Wrist | DNP | LP | LP | Questionable |
Rico Dowdle | RB | Toe | LP | FP | FP | Questionable |
Jamel Dean | CB | Ankle | DNP | LP | LP | Questionable |
Cameron Heyward | DT | NIR/Rest | DNP | FP | FP | - |
DeShon Elliott* | S | Knee | LP | LP | LP | Out |
Roman Wilson | WR | Finger | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
Ben Skowronek | WR | Calf | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
T.J. Watt | LB | NIR/Rest | LP | FP | FP | - |
Keeanu Benton | DT | Ankle | DNP | LP | FP | - |
DK Metcalf | WR | Illness | - | - | DNP | Questionable |
Pittsburgh has ways to get through a game without one receiver, but this would be a different ask. Rookie Germie Bernard had six catches for 80 yards against the Colts, but making him Rodgers’ leading wideout while the other established options sit is a steep jump. The Steelers need to prepare as though Metcalf might be unavailable.
Pittsburgh Steelers would need more than one answer without Metcalf
Bernard has earned a bigger role. Asking a rookie to replace Metcalf’s role is another matter. Without Metcalf outside, Tampa Bay could focus more attention on Bernard’s routes and the throws to Pat Freiermuth. Rodgers would need Brandon Smith, if elevated from the practice squad, to contribute immediately. Isaiah Hodgins and Brandon Johnson are practice squad options too, but they're practice squad for a reason. Neither -- or combined -- is a substitute for Metcalf.
Brian Angelichio can lean harder on Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Robert Tonyan, using two-tight-end sets to reduce the need for a third receiver. Jaylen Warren can remain a receiving outlet, and Dowdle could offer another backfield option if he plays. As Thursday’s backfield discussion made clear, though, Mike McCarthy intends to keep Warren featured. More tight ends and backs can keep the offense functioning. They can’t give Rodgers Metcalf’s presence on the outside.
Pittsburgh has problems on defense, too, with Jalen Ramsey and Jamel Dean both questionable. But Metcalf is the decision that could most dramatically change Pittsburgh’s plan. If he’s inactive, Bernard and the tight ends will have to produce while the Steelers figure out which other receivers they can put on the field. Watch the roster elevations and Sunday’s inactive list before the 1 p.m. ET kickoff.
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