Steelers Get Massive Boost Before Seahawks Game after the sensational Aces Returns
PITTSBURGH — The Seattle Seahawks had some worrisome injuries throughout the week, but just in time for kickoff against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they got some very positive news within their offense. Despite missing practice time throughout the week, the Seahawks are expecting to have both running back Kenneth Walker (shoulder/illness) and wide receiver DK Metcalf (back) on the field in Week 17 against the Steelers. Both Walker and Metcalf are listed as questionable heading into the game, but according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, both are expected to play.
Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was hoping Metcalf would play in Week 17, admitting he had this matchup circled as soon as he knew the two would face off this season. “Like every matchup, I’m ready for it, I’ve been looking forward to it,” Porter said. “This is a big one. Everyone’s been talking about it and I’m not going to lie, I’ve had this one circled up on my calendar so I’m ready to go to work.”
This season, Metcalf has caught 60 passes for 998 yards and eight touchdowns. Walker has rushed for 774 yards and seven touchdowns. The Steelers will be without Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee), Elandon Roberts (pectoral) and Trenton Thompson (neck) against the Seahawks, and have listed Kenny Pickett (ankle) as questionable. They’ll still start Mason Rudolph at quarterback whether Pickett plays or not. Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t locked into the postseason, but their hopes are still alive heading into Week 17. If they can secure a victory over the Seattle Seahawks, they’ll help those odds, but they’ll also need other teams to give them a boost heading into the final week of the regular season. Pittsburgh kicks off at 4:05 p.m. ET, but fans should be paying attention all day. From the start of the Week 17 slate, there are games that impact the Steelers’ playoff hopes.
According to the New York Times simulator, the Steelers hold an 11% chance to make the playoffs. If they beat the Seahawks and get help from all of the above outcomes, those chances jump to 64%. Pittsburgh currently sits at the 9th seed in the AFC, with the Cleveland Browns (11-5), Buffalo Bills (9-6), Indianapolis Colts (8-7) and Houston Texnas (8-7) in front of them.
The Steelers are 4.5-point underdogs heading into kickoff with Seattle. Pittsburgh is 1-7 all-time in the Pacific Northwest, with their only win coming in 1983.
