The Pittsburgh Steelers received a mix of encouraging and troubling news ahead of their AFC showdown, with major updates on Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf and a fresh NFL suspension shaking up the roster. With the playoff race tightening and every possession now magnified, Pittsburgh enters Week 13 searching for stability on offense, and they may finally be getting it back. Coming off a frustrating loss to the Chicago Bears, where backup Mason Rudolph was forced to start, the Steelers find themselves in a critical spot for playoff positioning.

Both Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf took a major step forward today, giving Pittsburgh the offensive spark it desperately lacked in Chicago.

However, significant optimism emerged from the South Side facility today. It’s regarding the status of the team’s two highest-profile offensive weapons.

Steelers reporter Alan Saunders tweeted that wide receiver DK Metcalf was back on the practice field today. Saunders also noted that the star wideout “still has his left ankle taped up.”

NFL insider Tom Pelissero also reported on X that both quarterback Aaron Rodgers (left wrist injury that he suffered in week 11) and Metcalf (ankle injury) were officially listed as full participants in today’s practice.

The news comes in after Pittsburgh’s 28-31 loss at Soldier Field. Rudolph finished 24-of-31 for 171 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, but the offense clearly lacked the explosive dimension Rodgers provides. The loss dropped the Steelers to 6-5, knocking them into a tie with the Ravens for the AFC North lead and leaving their playoff margin razor-thin.

Through 11 games, the Steelers rank 28th in total offense at 292.2 yards per game. They are 22nd in passing at 195.1 yards per game, and 27th in rushing at 97.1 yards per game.

Sunday’s loss was a clear example of how different the Steelers look without Rodgers under center.

With 2:01 left and trailing 31-28, the Steelers faced fourth-and-9 at their own 23-yard line, holding all three timeouts. Mike Tomlin opted to punt rather than attempt the conversion. The defense delivered a quick three-and-out after Caleb Williams threw incomplete on third down. But the plan faltered when DB James Pierre sustained an injury during the stopped clock. This cost Pittsburgh its final timeout by rule.

This underscored broader offensive management issues without Aaron Rodgers. The good part is that against the Bills, who have a 7-4 record, the 41-year-old quarterback appears poised to return to form. However, the news wasn’t entirely positive for Pittsburgh. The team is now dealing with a disciplinary blow to its defensive depth.

Daniel Ekuale’s suspension casts major doubt on his Steelers future

The NFL announced that Steelers defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale has been suspended without pay for the team’s next five games. The suspension comes as a result of his violation of the league’s Performance-Enhancing Substances (PES) policy.

Ekuale, 31, is currently on injured reserve with a torn ACL. He suffered the injury in the Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers. This means he will serve the ban while sidelined.​ Daniel Ekuale signed a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Steelers in the 2025 offseason after four seasons with the New England Patriots. He started all 16 games in 2024 with 52 tackles and one sack.

In seven games this season (14% defensive snaps), he recorded six tackles, one quarterback hit, and one pass defended before the injury. This marks Ekuale’s second PES suspension: a four-game ban in 2018 with the Cleveland Browns.

Drafted by Cleveland out of Washington State in 2018, he has played in 64 career games with 97 tackles. Given the repeat offenses, injury, and limited role, his Steelers future appears uncertain.