The Pittsburgh Steelers waived veteran cornerback Tre Flowers on January 5, 2026, to make room for wide receiver DK Metcalf's return from a two-game suspension. Metcalf, whose ban stemmed from an altercation with a Lions fan, rejoined the team ahead of their wild-card playoff game against the Houston Texans. The move comes after the Steelers clinched the AFC North with a dramatic win over the Ravens.
On Monday, January 5, 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced the waiver of veteran cornerback Tre Flowers, a move that clears a spot on the 53-man roster for wide receiver DK Metcalf. Flowers, who joined the team on Christmas Day as depth, appeared in just one game during his brief stint, logging two special teams snaps in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns. He was a healthy scratch for the regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens.
Metcalf's suspension, handed down after an incident with a Lions fan during Pittsburgh's Week 16 victory over Detroit, was lifted on the same day. The two-time Pro Bowler, in his first season with the Steelers, led the team in receiving with at least three catches in 14 of 15 games played. His season-high came in Week 14 against the Ravens, with seven receptions for 148 yards. Without him, the Steelers managed only six points in a Week 17 loss to the Browns and struggled offensively in the first half of their 23-20 comeback win over Baltimore on Sunday, which clinched the AFC North title.
"I can't walk ya'll through nothing that happened," Metcalf said upon his return to the facility. "I'm excited to be back in the building, around my teammates, being at meetings, going to practice." He described watching the Ravens game as a "roller coaster," adding, "I couldn't watch some moments because of my anxiety, but just happy my teammates got the dub."
The Steelers' cornerback group now features Joey Porter Jr., James Pierre, Asante Samuel Jr., and Brandin Echols, with the latter two returning from injuries. Flowers, a 2018 fifth-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks, has played in 98 NFL games across seven teams since 2022, recording 287 tackles and four interceptions.
Metcalf's reinstatement bolsters an offense facing a tough Texans defense, which ranked second in points allowed and features a strong pass rush from Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., who combined for 27 sacks. Pittsburgh seeks its first playoff win since 2016.