Pittsburgh shuffled its Week 2 depth ahead of Seattle, signing Jabrill Peppers and James Pierre while placing Malik Harrison and Skyler Thompson on injured reserve. Logan Woodside was added to the practice squad to back up the room with Will Howard still on IR, leaving the Steelers with two QBs on the 53-man roster. The move also leaves DeShon Elliott sidelined, potentially forcing Cole Holcomb into a larger inside linebacker role as the DB tally swells to 10. A tougher Seahawks test looms, and Pittsburgh will lean on depth and special teams to fuel its game plan.

Fantasy angles hinge on Peppers’ versatility and Woodside’s veteran presence. Peppers could contribute in coverage and run support, while Woodside provides a steady backstop for the QB room. With Elliott out and the linebacking corps shifting, opportunistic plays in this defensive-heavy game could juice IDP scoring and offer speculative DFS value in deeper formats.

Week 1 inactives for New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers inject notable fantasy volatility. Vera-Tucker and Lazard sit for the Jets, along with Braiden McGregor, thinning the interior and receiver depth. Jelani Woods is also listed as inactive, adding a wrinkle for tight end usage in the surrounding context. For Pittsburgh, the list includes Derrick Harmon, Nick Herbig, Skylar Thompson, Max Scharping, Andrus Peat, and Ese Otomewo, signaling shifts along both lines and depth on defense. The opening matchup now hinges on which role players seize expanded opportunities and how coaches deploy their depth charts in MetLife.

Fantasy takeaway: Jets must compensate for Vera-Tucker and Lazard with lineman shuffles and elevated targets for other pass-catchers, while Steelers’ inactives thin certain rotations but could boost opportunities for reserves on both sides of the ball. DFS and daily fantasy pivot to upside plays at the edges and in the Jets’ and Steelers’ supporting cast, with a wait-and-see lens on early-series snaps.

Week 1 injury notes set the stage for the Jets-Steelers matchup at MetLife. Vera-Tucker and Esa Pole are out for the Jets, while Chuk Okorafor is questionable but will play, and Sauce Gardner is active despite a fibula issue. Tyrod Taylor is listed with a knee for New York. For Pittsburgh, Derrick Harmon is out, Nick Herbig is questionable, and Skylar Thompson is set to play, having limited practice Friday.

Fantasy takeaway centers on the Jets’ O-line depth and Gardner’s presence in the secondary, which could limit Steelers passing options. Pittsburgh leans on defense and run-stuffing fronts, while Thompson’s status adds a layer of QB risk/reward for Week 1 DFS and prop bets. Monitor Friday practice notes for final clarity.

Will Howard, Ohio State national champion and Steelers sixth-rounder in 2025, is nearing a full return from a broken right-hand bone that sidelined him in camp. He’s back to throwing and progressing toward relief for the Steelers’ QB depth. Pittsburgh kept four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, with Skylar Thompson earning a spot after strong preseason work. Fantasy players should watch for Howard’s timeline and potential backup role as he recovers.

The situation adds intrigue to Pittsburgh’s quarterback depth chart. If Howard returns on a clear path to backup duties, his dynasty and streamer value could rise if injuries or a surge from the No. 2 spot create opportunities. Monitor practice and any timeline updates closely as the season approaches.

Pittsburgh’s initial 53-man roster locks in a five-man WR group led by Metcalf, with Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek providing speed, reliability and veteran savvy. Will Howard’s short-term IR sets up a tense quarterback decision window, while Skylar Thompson remains in the mix. The defense plans for Derrick Harmon’s absence by loading eight DL, and rookies Jack Sawyer and Carson Bruener earned spots, underscoring a youthful, versatile backbone that will shape Week 1 fantasy outcomes.

Fantasy takeaway: the WR depth offers upside across weekly targets, while the QB situation injects volatility into early-season projections. With Metcalf as the clear target anchor, the Steelers could deliver solid fantasy value at the position if Howard or Thompson surfaces as a red-zone facilitator, amplifying late-round flier appeal and stream options for Weeks 1–4.