The Steelers go into today's game against the Seattle Seahawks with Mason Rudolph as the starting quarterback, and Mitch Trubisky will be the backup. Kenny Pickett is inactive for the game.
On defense, safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and Trenton Thompson and linebacker Elandon Roberts won't play, all ruled out on Friday due to injuries.
With Fitzpatrick and Thompson out, Damontae Kazee suspended, and Keanu Neal on the Reserve/Injured List, it will be cornerback Patrick Peterson who is once again expected to step up and play safety.
"Pat competes, but it's his preparation," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "Pat's a very smart guy. It's not like he's out of position a lot of times, and I think that allows you to have that versatility because you understand not only what you're doing, but what's going on behind."
With Roberts out, Coach Mike Tomlin has already indicated that linebacker Blake Martinez could be called into action.
Martinez has seen action in only one game since he was signed, playing against the New England Patriots in Week 14.
"I have been working at it every week," said Martinez. "Whenever the opportunity was bound to come, I had to make sure I was ready to go.
"The biggest thing is the expectation, bringing that level even higher. For me it's just I came back after a year and a half. This is a big game, a playoff game, raising that expectation a little higher. That first game I got in helped me even more for now."
The team also elevated linebacker Myles Jack and safety Eric Rowe from the practice squad to the Active/Inactive Roster for the game.
Jack was signed to the practice squad on Nov. 20. He was also elevated for the Week 16 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, finishing with six tackles and a sack.
Rowe, who is in his ninth season, was signed to the practice squad on Nov. 20. He was also elevated for the Week 16 game against the Bengals when he had his first Steelers interception.
Also inactive are defensive end DeMarvin Leal, cornerback Darius Rush and offensive lineman Dylan Cook.
The full list of inactives is below.
Steelers Inactives
No. 8 QB Kenny Pickett
No. 17 S Trenton Thompson
No. 21 CB Darius Rush
No. 39 S Minkah Fitzpatrick
No. 50 LB Elandon Roberts
No. 60 T Dylan Cook
No. 98 DE DeMarvin Leal
Seahawks Inactives
No. 25 RB Kenny McIntosh
No. 28 CB Kelvin Joseph
No. 56 LB Jordyn Brooks
No. 66 T McClendon Curtis
No. 70 T Jason Peters
No. 79 T Raiqwon O'Neal
No. 97 DE Mario Edwards
While you are here, vote for Cam: Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is the Steelers nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. It's the sixth time Heyward has been nominated for the award.
This year, fans are once again encouraged to participate in Nationwide's annual Charity Challenge, a social media and online contest that allows fans to show support for their favorite Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee.
The WPMOY Charity Challenge runs from December 5 – January 8, and January 2 and January 3 are "Double Days" meaning each hashtag mention via X on these days will be counted twice
There are multiple ways that fans can vote for Cam to win the WPMOY Charity Challenge:
Any use of the hashtag and directions below on X (formerly Twitter) will count as votes for Heyward:
WPMOYChallenge + Cam Heyward
WPMOYChallenge + @CamHeyward
WPMOYChallenge + Heyward
Any repost on X of a post containing the above hashtag + name
New this year, fans can vote via NFL.com/ManoftheYear. Votes via this URL on the "Double Days" will also be counted twice.
The winner of the challenge will receive $35,000 for their charity.
In addition, fans can further amplify their support of Heyward by participating in an exciting campaign by Alltroo – an online fundraising platform started by former NFL tight end and 3-time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, Kyle Rudolph. Through Alltroo, fans can support Heyward by entering an online fundraiser customized by each player for the chance to win special prizes and experiences, such as meet and greets, game tickets, sideline passes and more. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised through Alltroo's campaign will directly support the nominee's non-profit/charity of choice. For more information visit https://alltroo.com/manoftheyear/.
