Steelers Could Avoid Seahawks Superstar WR

The Steelers do not know if Seahawks star wide receiver DK Metcalf will play yet, but he is listed as questionable on the Seahawks injury report. He was not out at Seahawks practice on Friday, but Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll expressed optimism that Metcalf would suit up.

He is not sure if the injury happened during their win over the Titans or sometime during the week, but Metcalf’s tight back is a critical storyline to watch with the Steelers’ secondary banged up. Metcalf is one of six players that are questionable to play in addition to four players that Carroll ruled out for the game.

They have Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, along with a receiving tight end in Noah Fant. But it’s hard to replace the speed that Metcalf brings, and if he does not play, that frees up Joey Porter Jr. to follow Lockett around, which is significant for a secondary that is looking to be depleted for the second straight week at safety.

The Steelers will have their hands full either way, and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin brought attention to a guy like Fant, who could see more usage if Metcalf is out.

“They have got three quality guys. They have got a quality tight end,” Austin said. “You can’t forget about (Noah) Fant coming across the middle and working there. He’s like a fourth receiver for them. So, we have our work cut out for us. I don’t think it’s going to be one particular guy.”

Now, it will depend if Metcalf will suit up on Sunday, as Carroll expects. Metcalf has missed just one game in his career due to a hip injury he suffered earlier this season. He has often toughed it out through these injuries, and it seems like he will attempt to do the same once again.