Projecting Steelers Inactives in Week 5 vs. Colts

• WR Michael Pittman Jr.
• CB Jamel Dean
• RB Rico Dowdle
• DL Kevin Jobity
• QB Drew Allar
• QB Will Howard (third quarterback)

Other possibilities: RB Eli Heidenreich, CB Terrell Smith

Analysis of Projected Inactives

WR Michael Pittman Jr.

Pittman is the clearest addition to Pittsburgh’s projected inactive list. The wide receiver aggravated a foot injury and will miss multiple games, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. His absence is particularly notable with the Colts coming to Pittsburgh, as he will miss an opportunity to face his former team.

The Steelers will need their remaining receivers to help fill the void in the receiving corps. Pittman had recorded seven receptions for 89 yards in three games before the injury sidelined him.

CB Jamel Dean

Dean has already been ruled out after missing practice with an ankle injury. Pittsburgh’s cornerback room has already experienced significant turnover, making his absence another challenge for a defense preparing to face Indianapolis’ offense.

With Dean ruled out, the Steelers will need their remaining cornerbacks to handle expanded responsibilities. His absence could also increase the pressure on Pittsburgh’s recently added defensive backs to contribute immediately.

RB Rico Dowdle

Dowdle remains a question mark after dealing with a toe injury that has kept him out of action. Although he returned to limited practice during the week, his availability for Sunday remains uncertain.

If Dowdle cannot play, Jaylen Warren will have another opportunity to shoulder a larger workload in the backfield. Pittsburgh could also turn to Travis Homer, Lew Nichols, or another available option to help handle the rushing responsibilities. 

DL Kevin Jobity

Jobity is projected to sit as Pittsburgh evaluates its defensive line depth for the matchup. The Steelers have other options along the defensive front, which could make him a candidate to miss the game as a roster decision rather than because of a confirmed injury. Gabriel Rubio is a prime candidate since he is a specialist against the run.

QB Drew Allar

Allar is projected to be inactive as Pittsburgh’s emergency quarterback depth remains behind its primary options. With Aaron Rodgers leading the offense and Mason Rudolph serving as the backup, Allar will be among the players who do not dress on game day.

QB Will Howard (Third Quarterback)

Howard is also projected to be inactive, although his designation as the third quarterback means he could remain available under the NFL’s emergency quarterback rule if the Steelers choose to dress him in that role. He has served this role each week to this point.

Other Possibilities: RB Eli Heidenreich and CB Terrell Smith

Heidenreich could be another candidate to sit if Pittsburgh opts to prioritize other options at running back. His status will depend on how the Steelers want to structure their game-day depth behind Warren and their other available backs.

Smith is another possibility in a crowded cornerback group. However, with Dean expected to miss the game, Pittsburgh may prefer to keep additional cornerback depth available against the Colts. That makes Smith’s status less certain than those of Pittman and Dean.

Ultimately, Pittsburgh’s final inactive list will depend on its game-day roster decisions and the status of players working through injuries. Pittman and Dean are the only certain absences, while Dowdle remains a key situation to monitor before kickoff.