The Steelers head into today's game against the Atlanta Falcons at Heinz Field without two of their components on defense, and also a special team's ace on the sidelines.
Vince Williams, Morgan Burnett and Darrius Heyward-Bey, who were all listed as doubtful for the game after missing practice all week, are inactive for today's game.
With Burnett out, Terrell Edmunds will start his third straight game at strong safety and his fourth overall this season.
It will be a trio of linebackers that will step in to fill the void with Williams out. Tyler Matakevich and L.J. Fort got the majority of the snaps in practice last week, and Matthew Thomas is also be in the mix.
"We know we are ready," said Matakevich. "All three of us have got to be ready to go in there and rotate and help this defense and help this team, (do) whatever we can do to get this 'W.'"
Heyward-Bey, who suffered an ankle injury last week, has been one of the team's top special teams players over the last few years. Thomas will help in that role on kick coverage, as will Brian Allen, who was activated from the practice squad this week when Nat Berhe was placed on injured reserve.
Also inactive this week are quarterback Mason Rudolph, safety Marcus Allen, offensive tackle Zach Banner and defensive end L.T. Walton.
Steelers Inactives
No. 2 QB Mason Rudolph
No. 27 S Marcus Allen
No. 42 S Morgan Burnett
No. 72 OT Zach Banner
No. 88 WR Darrius Heyward-Bey
No. 96 DE L.T. Walton
No. 98 LB Vince Williams
Falcons Inactives
No. 28 CB Justin Bethal
No. 32 RB Brian Hill
No. 33 DB Blidi Wreh-Wilson
No. 68 OG Zac Kerin
No. 77 OT Matt Gono
No. 90 DE Derrick Shelby
No. 97 DT Grady Jarrett
