Promising Steelers CB Leads as Surprise Inactive vs. Packers

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers named their inactives on Sunday, and cornerback Darius Rush was named as a surprise inactive. Rush played 30 snaps last week in the victory over the Titans and earned praise from defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Still, the team called up safety Trenton Thompson, leading to them sitting down an extra defensive back. That could mean Elijah Riley and Thompson will see playing time in those sub-packages with Rush out.

With the Packers running more two tight ends and running back sets, Pittsburgh decided to match that with the extra safety instead of forcing Rush to play out of his element. That’s likely the reason for sitting him down.

The two inactives that were expected were safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and defensive tackle Montravius Adams. Fitzpatrick is still ailing with a right hamstring strain. Meanwhile, Adams suffered an ankle injury that will keep him out against his former team, the Packers.

The others are expected inactives. Running back Godwin Igwebuike is sitting with the return of Anthony McFarland. McFarland will return kicks, while Calvin Austin III will still return punts. Pittsburgh has four running backs on the active roster now.

Nose tackle Breiden Fehoko and offensive tackle Dylan Cook are sitting. Fehoko has been active for only one game. With Adams out, Armon Watts is up and playing. Watts did not play last week but has played a fair share of snaps with Cam Heyward injured early in the season.

The Steelers will have Mason Rudolph as their emergency third quarterback if Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky both suffered injuries. All of the Packers’ questionable players are active, including defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Cornerback Jaire Alexander and linebacker Quay Walker are both out with injuries. They also had three linemen listed as questionable, and they will all suit up against the Steelers.