Projecting Steelers’ Week 7 Inactives vs. Saints

Dec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) battles for the ball against Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Imagesreuters.com,2025:newsml_MT1USATODAY27765312:230389361

Projecting Steelers’ Week 7 Inactives vs. Saints

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jobe Morrison | Last updated Oct 24, 2026 2:00 PM ET

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The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the New Orleans Saints in Paris in Week 7 as they look to improve to 5-2 in head coach Mike McCarthy’s first season. After escaping Tampa Bay with a win, Pittsburgh now takes its road test across the pond. Another victory would strengthen the Steelers’ position in the early AFC North race. However, they could be without several key players for their international matchup.

The Steelers have managed several injuries throughout the season, and a few new names appeared on the injury report ahead of Week 7. Alex Highsmith was among those dealing with an injury, while running back Rico Dowdle reappeared on the report. With Pittsburgh limited to 48 active players on game day, the coaching staff must make some difficult decisions about which players will suit up, particularly with several players battling injuries.

With that in mind, here is a projection of the Steelers’ inactives as they take on the Saints in Week 7.

Steelers Projected Inactives

QB Will Howard (third quarterback)
QB Drew Allar
WR Ben Skowronek
CB Brandin Echols
CB Terell Smith
RB Eli Heidenreich

Other Possibilities: CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, CB Doneiko Slaughter

Steelers Projected Inactives Breakdown

Skowronek and Echols appear to be the clearest candidates to miss the matchup after the Steelers listed both players as out. Skowronek is dealing with a calf injury, while Echols is recovering from a hamstring issue. Their absences would leave Pittsburgh without two depth options at wide receiver and cornerback, respectively. Smith is also a potential inactive, especially with the Steelers having other options available in the secondary. Murphy-Bunting and Slaughter could enter the conversation depending on how Pittsburgh wants to distribute its defensive backfield depth.

The remaining projections primarily reflect roster depth and game-day availability rather than confirmed injuries. Howard will serve as the emergency third quarterback, leaving him inactive under the team’s game-day roster plan, while Allar and Heidenreich could also find themselves on the sidelines. Dowdle’s knee injury adds uncertainty to the running back situation, although his availability could influence Pittsburgh’s final decisions. Ultimately, the Steelers’ approach to managing their healthy depth will determine which players round out the inactive list against New Orleans.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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