The Pittsburgh Steelers have activated wide receiver DK Metcalf to their 53-man roster on January 7, 2026, after his temporary exemption expired, following the team's earlier waiver of cornerback Tre Flowers to create space. Metcalf returns from a two-game suspension ahead of the Wild Card playoff game against the Houston Texans.
Building on Monday's waiver of veteran cornerback Tre Flowers—which cleared a roster spot after Metcalf's suspension for a Week 16 altercation was lifted—the Steelers finalized his return Wednesday when the roster exemption expired. This standard NFL process allowed flexibility during reintegration.
Flowers was signed back to the practice squad the following day, filling an open spot after releasing offensive tackle David Sharpe. The veteran, who played special teams in Week 17, now provides depth behind Joey Porter Jr., James Pierre, Asante Samuel Jr., and Brandin Echols.
Metcalf, who tallied 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games—including 100-yard outings against Minnesota and Baltimore—expressed eagerness to resume preparations. "I’m excited as hell to be back in the building around my teammates, being in meetings, going to practice," he told reporters.
His return strengthens Pittsburgh's passing game against Houston's stout secondary (183.5 yards allowed per game), featuring Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre. Metcalf's prior experience includes a 2021 win over the Texans (4 catches, 43 yards) and a playoff gem (10 receptions, 136 yards, 2 TDs vs. 49ers).
Now fully listed on the depth chart, Metcalf joins a healthy Steelers squad for Monday's 8:15 p.m. EST playoff matchup.