Week 13 Inactives: What Steelers Fans Need to Know Before Facing the Bills

The Steelers head into today’s match against the Buffalo Bills missing a few key players. Left tackle Broderick Jones is out with a neck injury, and defensive end Derrick Harmon is inactive because of a knee issue.

On a brighter note, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is back! He fractured his wrist in Week 11 against the Bengals, missing the following game against the Bears. Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed, “He was a full participant today with no designation for the game. It’s all systems go.” Rodgers’ extra practice time has made him more comfortable, according to Tomlin.

“Just more reps, certainly,” he said, emphasizing the importance of preparation. “I’m sure there’s more comfort there, not only in him but in the medical experts.” Having Rodgers back boosts the team’s confidence as they face the Bills.

With Jones out, veteran Andrus Peat will take the left tackle position. Peat, who has mostly been on the sidelines this season, prepares like he’s starting every week. He’s aware that stepping in means adjusting quickly, but his experience speaks for itself. “I feel like I’ve played 11 years, so I know what to do,” he noted.

Peat spent nine seasons with the New Orleans Saints and was a three-time Pro Bowler. He joined the Steelers this season, bringing valuable skills to the offensive line. Quarterback Rodgers appreciates having Peat and fellow tackle Calvin Anderson. “I have a lot of confidence in both those guys,” he said.

The Steelers’ defense is also adjusting with Harmon out. Yahya Black is expected to see increased playtime. Black, drafted in the fifth round in 2025, aims to bring energy and solid fundamentals to the defense. “I just need to do my job,” he said. Black views this as an opportunity to show what he can do in a more prominent role.

Additionally, cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. has been elevated to the active roster, while Darius Slay is inactive. Samuel is a former second-round pick who had a solid four-year stint with the Chargers before joining the Steelers’ practice squad. His background adds depth to the cornerback position, coming from a family with NFL roots—his father, Asante Samuel Sr., is a two-time Super Bowl champion.

This new lineup reshuffle brings both challenges and opportunities. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers adapt and perform under these circumstances, especially with key players like Rodgers and Peat stepping up. The team’s resilience will be put to the test, and fans are eager to see how they rise to the occasion.

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