T.J. Watt, LB (PIT)

Not playing vs. Detroit

Watt (chest) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Watt continues to be sidelined due to a partially collapsed lung that he underwent surgery for during Week 15 prep, which will result in the superstar pass rusher being sidelined for Sunday's contest. Watt would likely have to return to practice in at least a limited capacity to have a realistic chance of returning for the Steelers' Week 17 road tilt against the Browns on Sunday, Dec. 28. With Watt out and Nick Herbig (hamstring) listed as doubtful, rookie fourth-rounder Jack Sawyer could be thrust into a starting role opposite Alex Highsmith against Detroit.

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More Pittsburgh Steelers Fantasy Football News

Could have bigger role in 2026

Freiermuth is a candidate to take on a larger role in Pittsburgh's passing game during the 2026 campaign, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Versatile role incoming?

Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy views Pittman as a versatile pass catcher capable of running the full route tree, Chris Harlan of TribLive reports.

Role as rookie TBD

Bernard, who showed "confident hands and good body control" during OTAs and minicamp, per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, figures to compete with Roman Wilson this summer for work behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman in three-receiver sets.

DK Metcalf

DK Metcalf

WR PIT

Back for Year 2 with Steelers

As the 2026 season approaches, Metcalf is set to remain featured in a Pittsburgh WR corps that also includes trade acquisition Michael Pittman and 2026 second-rounder Germie Bernard, Mark Kaboly of 93.7 The Fan Pittsburgh reports.

Rico Dowdle

Rico Dowdle

RB PIT

Sharing backfield with Warren

Dowdle, who signed with the Steelers in March, is set to work in tandem with Jaylen Warren this coming season, Kevin Hutchinson of steelersnow.com reports.