Steelers inactives for Wild Card game vs. Houston Texans: Receiver Roman Wilson, running back Kaleb Johnson, cornerback Tre Flowers, linebacker Jeremiah Moon, offensive tackle Jack Driscoll, defensive tackle Logan Lee and Will Howard is the third quarterback.
The Steelers head into tonight's Wild Card game against the Houston Texans a healthy group and the team's inactives reflect that.
For the second consecutive week there are no starters on the inactive list, something that is valuable this time of year.
"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 Steelers receiving corps will be at full strength with the return of DK Metcalf, who missed the last two games due to his suspension.
Metcalf, who had 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season, is someone who can change the flow of the game for the offense and change how defenses approach the Steelers.
"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."
Metcalf's return provides offensive coordinator Arthur Smith another weapon to work with and he welcomes it.
"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, who is 6-4, 229, brings a physical presence to the offense that is hard to replicate, having the ability to make combat catches, block and everything else asked of a big-bodied receiver.
"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."
Rodgers is spot on when he says Metcalf is thankful to be back. He spoke about returning to the field.
"It feels great, especially, we get to play another game," said Metcalf. "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 the Ravens after missing three straight games due to his lung issue.
And he came out of the game in good shape.
Watt said after practice on Saturday that he felt great following a week's work.
"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 the defensive snaps against the Ravens, a total of 43 snaps, and had an interception.
"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 said he kept an eye on Watt during the Ravens game, checking in with him during it and Watt assured him he was good to go.
But it still was a challenge.
"You've got a guy that's missed three weeks," said Austin. "Coming back, everybody thinks, 'Oh, I'll just come back in and be the same guy I was.'
"It's going to take you a minute to get your legs underneath you, get used to the timing of everything. People don't realize how much pass rush is a lot about timing and hand usage.
"There's a whole bunch that goes into it, and as you get back, and get back into the game, you have to get those things working again.
"I assume he'll be better this week than he was (last) week, and we'll take it from there."
Following the Ravens game, Watt immediately said that he felt well and just wanted to see how this week played out.
"Honestly, I am really pleased with how I felt," said Watt. "Hats off to the training staff, strength staff for getting me ready to go. Felt great out there."
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