Steelers clear Metcalf, add Freiermuth as questionable and put Wilson on IR

DK Metcalf has no injury designation for Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay after the Steelers removed him from the report Saturday. Pittsburgh added tight end Pat Freiermuth as questionable with a calf injury, according to its updated injury report.

The team’s spokesman announced the two changes Saturday:

https://x.com/SteelersPRBurt/status/2111492750986121510

Pittsburgh also placed Roman Wilson on injured reserve. The receiver must miss at least four games after injuring his finger against Indianapolis. He has 14 catches for 188 yards and two touchdowns this season.

The Steelers signed running back Lew Nichols from the practice squad and elevated receivers Brandon Johnson and Brandon Smith for Sunday. Michael Pittman Jr. remains on injured reserve, and Ben Skowronek is out with a calf injury. Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders reported that Metcalf’s clearance leaves him available while the team works around the other receiver absences.

Earlier reporting

DK Metcalf is questionable for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay after missing Friday's practice with an illness. The late addition to the Steelers' final injury report leaves Pittsburgh awaiting a decision on another receiver after ruling Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek out.

Wilson has a finger injury and Skowronek a calf injury. Michael Pittman Jr. is already on injured reserve. ESPN's Brooke Pryor reported that Metcalf's illness added uncertainty with three other receivers unavailable.

Rookie Germie Bernard's role has grown, and offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio said Brandon Smith was steady when elevated for last week's game against Indianapolis. The Steelers also have Isaiah Hodgins and Brandon Johnson on their practice squad, according to the team report.

Jalen Ramsey remains questionable with a wrist injury after limited practices Thursday and Friday. Rico Dowdle is questionable with a toe injury despite practicing fully the past two days. Jamel Dean and Keeanu Benton are also questionable. DeShon Elliott will not be activated from injured reserve for this game.

Earlier reporting

The Steelers will be without Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek against Tampa Bay this week, coach Mike McCarthy said Monday. Their absences add to a receiver shortage that already includes Michael Pittman Jr. on injured reserve.

The game-status decision follows injuries to Wilson and Skowronek during Sunday’s 34-22 win over Indianapolis. Wilson hurt his finger, while Skowronek left with a calf injury. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Wilson is expected to miss multiple weeks. McCarthy’s confirmed decision covers the upcoming game; Pittsburgh has not announced a full return timetable for either receiver.

Rookie Germie Bernard gave Pittsburgh a productive option against the Colts, catching six passes for 80 yards. McCarthy said Monday that Bernard has adjusted well to the offense and can play all three receiver positions. His versatility matters with several teammates unavailable, although it does not establish how Pittsburgh will divide targets against the Buccaneers.

The coach also identified Brandon Smith as a player who has earned more opportunities. Smith joined the Steelers in training camp and got his first chance Sunday. Practice-squad receivers Isaiah Hodgins and Brandon Johnson are other options as the staff works through its personnel for the week.

The shortage affects practice preparation as well as the game plan. McCarthy said the staff still needed to determine who would fill which roles Wednesday, including the receivers used to prepare Pittsburgh’s defense for Tampa Bay.

Pittsburgh’s offense can continue leaning on Jaylen Warren. McCarthy called him the featured player Monday and said the team intends to keep putting him in position to make plays. Rico Dowdle is recovering from a toe injury, and the coach said he looked good late last week.

The receiver decisions are firmer than the longer-term injury outlook. Wilson and Skowronek are out for Tampa Bay; the next practices will show how the available players fit together around Bernard and the rest of the offense.

Sources

McCarthy sets receiver plans · Two receivers ruled out · NFL: Monday injury updates