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DK Metcalf Removed From Injury Report, Will Play Sunday
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (illness) has been removed from the injury report and will not have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Week 6 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Steelers listed Metcalf as questionable on Friday's final injury report after he did not practice due to an illness. However, he is feeling better a day later and will be good to go this weekend for the Steelers and fantasy managers. Through five games in the 2026 season, Metcalf has caught only 19 of his 37 targets for 225 yards and one touchdown, which makes him the WR41 in half-PPR scoring going into this weekend's games. Metcalf had his best game of the year in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Thursday night, catching five of his nine targets for 115 yards, but he regressed with just three receptions for 12 yards in last Sunday's 34-22 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. With Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) on Injured Reserve, Metcalf should have a safer target floor, and that will be especially true if tight end Pat Freiermuth (calf), who was added to the injury report on Saturday, cannot play in Tampa.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
What role will Rico Dowdle Play If He Returns in Week 6?
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) enters a Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a questionable designation due to a toe injury. Dowdle has missed each of the past three games. He was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice before being upgraded to a full participant on Thursday and Friday. Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio said earlier this week that he expects Dowdle to return in Week 6, and the full practice sessions are encouraging, but Dowdle's status still needs to be monitored before Sunday's 1 p.m. Eastern Time kickoff. Dowdle was highly inefficient in the first two games of the season. He has tallied 15 carries for 37 rushing yards (2.5 yards per carry), while adding four catches for 28 yards (7.0 yards per reception) so far in 2026. He has not yet recorded a touchdown. Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren has seemed to take over as Pittsburgh's unquestioned starter with Dowdle out. However, if Dowdle is active, expect him to get a fair share of touches. Still, it might be best to leave Dowdle on the bench until his role becomes clearer. He is RotoBaller's No. 37 running back for Week 6.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DK Metcalf a Low-End WR2 Option if Active in Week 6
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (illness) is officially listed as questionable to play in his team's Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after missing practice on Friday with an illness. Metcalf's production has largely been underwhelming so far this season, as he's recorded 19 catches for 225 yards and a touchdown on 37 targets across five games. However, he could be in a position to see a heavy target share if he plays in Week 6, as Steelers wideouts Roman Wilson (finger) and Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) will both be inactive. The Buccaneers defense has been a mid-pack unit against the pass in 2026, ranking 18th in the NFL in passing yards allowed (1,173) and 17th in yards per pass attempt allowed (7.1). Still, Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been playing well of late, throwing for 826 yards and nine touchdowns over the last three weeks. If active, Metcalf profiles as a low-end WR2 option for fantasy managers in Week 6.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Darnell Washington Could See Additional Looks in Week 6
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington has been relatively quiet for fantasy purposes so far this season but could be in line for an expanded role against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. The Steelers are incredibly thin at wide receiver, with Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) all ruled out and DK Metcalf (illness) questionable. While running back Jaylen Warren should see a heavy workload, Washington, along with fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth and rookie wideout Germie Bernard, could see an uptick in targets from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Buccaneers are allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, and Washington has been involved near the end zone, with three red-zone targets and one touchdown over the past two weeks. His lack of consistent utilization keeps him out of fantasy consideration in most formats, but Washington has some upside as a dart throw in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST A Must-Start in Week 6
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense managed just one sack and no turnovers in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts, but it carries plenty of upside in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Tampa Bay quarterback Jalon Daniels impressed last week against the Dallas Cowboys, there is still a path for the Steelers to find success against an undrafted rookie making just his third career NFL start. Through five weeks, Tampa Bay is allowing the second-most sacks and giving up the sixth-most turnovers per contest. Additionally, Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean (ankle), who was inactive in Week 5, appears to be trending toward returning against his former team on Sunday, bolstering Pittsburgh's secondary. Fantasy managers should confidently deploy the Steelers DST as a top-five option this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Boswell A Strong Fantasy Option Against Buccaneers
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell connected on both of his field goal attempts and all four of his extra-point tries in Week 5 and will look to stay consistent in a Week 6 bout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Boswell's fantasy output has been a bit up and down to start the season, but his viability this week is apparent, with Tampa Bay surrendering the second-most fantasy points per contest to opposing kickers. Pittsburgh's offense has been clicking as of late, leading to more scoring opportunities for the 35-year-old veteran. Boswell profiles as a top-10 option at the position this week and should be viewed as a quality starter in most fantasy leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pat Freiermuth Primed for Featured Role in Week 6
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth scored twice in Week 5 and should remain a focal point of the team's passing attack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. The Steelers' wide receiver room is thin, with Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) out and DK Metcalf (illness) questionable to suit up. If Metcalf can't go, Freiermuth and rookie receiver Germie Bernard will be expected to lead the way for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with running back Jaylen Warren and fellow tight end Darnell Washington also contributing in the passing game. The Buccaneers are surrendering the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, making this a matchup worth targeting. Freiermuth leads all Steelers offensive weapons with four touchdowns and five red-zone targets already this season. The 27-year-old checks in as the TE12 in RotoBaller's Week 6 rankings and carries plenty of upside as a starting option on Sunday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Germie Bernard Trending Up, Carries Flex Value Against Buccaneers
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard had his most productive outing yet in Week 5 and will look to carry that momentum into a Week 6 meeting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although Tampa Bay's defense has been solid, it ranks in the middle of the pack against fantasy wideouts. Bernard should earn plenty of looks on Sunday with teammates Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) inactive and DK Metcalf (illness) questionable to play. The rookie's early chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been on display when he sees an uptick in snaps. In two games this season with more than 70% of offensive snaps, Bernard has earned a total of 17 targets. While running back Jaylen Warren and tight end Pat Freiermuth are also sure to be involved in the passing game, Bernard's opportunity is hard to ignore, making him an intriguing WR3 or flex option in most fantasy formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rico Dowdle Questionable Despite Full Practices
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) is questionable for Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite practicing in full on Thursday and Friday. Dowdle has missed three consecutive games since injuring his toe against New England in Week 2, but his progression from a limited session Wednesday to consecutive full practices is encouraging. He recorded 37 rushing yards on 15 carries and caught four passes for 28 yards across his first two games. Jaylen Warren has taken control of the Pittsburgh backfield during Dowdle's absence, most recently totaling 188 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns against Indianapolis in Week 5. Warren's production gives the Steelers little reason to rush Dowdle into a substantial role, even if he's cleared to return. Fantasy managers should keep Dowdle on the bench until there's a clearer picture of how Pittsburgh intends to distribute its backfield touches.
Source: Riley Holsinger
Source: Riley Holsinger
Jaylen Warren Still a Strong RB1 Despite Tough Matchup in Week 6
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is enjoying a breakout campaign, ranking as the fantasy RB9 through the first five weeks, and should continue to produce against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. The bad news for Warren is that Tampa Bay is giving up the third-fewest yards per carry and fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing backs. On the plus side, however, the Buccaneers have surrendered the fourth-most receptions to the position. Warren has seen at least four targets in every game this season and secured nine of 12 targets from quarterback Aaron Rodgers over the past two weeks. With Pittsburgh incredibly thin at wide receiver, as Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) are all out and DK Metcalf (illness) is questionable, Warren should be heavily involved in the passing game on Sunday. He may cede some opportunities to teammate Rico Dowdle (toe) if he returns, but Warren remains locked in as a fantasy RB1 given his recent performances and workload.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DK Metcalf Questionable After Missing Friday's Practice
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (illness) was added to the injury report Friday after missing practice and is questionable for Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Metcalf wasn't listed on the injury report Wednesday or Thursday, making his availability a late-week concern for Pittsburgh. The Steelers have already ruled out Roman Wilson (finger) and Ben Skowronek (calf), while Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) remains on injured reserve. Metcalf has caught 19 passes for 225 yards and one touchdown through five games, including a disappointing three-catch, 12-yard performance against Indianapolis last week. Rookie Germie Bernard could be asked to handle a larger role if Metcalf cannot play, with Pittsburgh also having several tight ends capable of contributing in the passing game. Fantasy managers planning to start Metcalf should have a replacement available in case the illness keeps him sidelined.
Source: Riley Holsinger
Source: Riley Holsinger
Aaron Rodgers Remains on Fantasy Radar in Week 6
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrown three touchdown passes in three straight games and will look to maintain that streak in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has been solid defensively so far this season, holding opposing quarterbacks to the ninth-fewest fantasy points per contest. The Buccaneers are also one of just seven teams allowing fewer than 300 yards of offense per game through five weeks. Given the difficult matchup and the fact that Pittsburgh is thin at wide receiver, with Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) all inactive, Rodgers isn't necessarily set up for success in this one. Nonetheless, Tampa Bay has been significantly tougher against the run, so it would not be surprising to see Rodgers attempt 35-plus passes for the fourth time this year. The health of DK Metcalf (illness) will be worth monitoring heading into Sunday, but assuming he plays, Rodgers should be viewed as a viable streaming option and high-end QB2 in Week 6.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rico Dowdle Logs Full Practice on Thursday, Poised for Week 6 Return?
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) practiced in full on Thursday, per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Dowdle has been sidelined since Week 2 with a toe injury, but it appears he could be trending toward returning in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Before suffering the injury, Dowdle recorded 65 yards from scrimmage on 19 touches across two games. The 28-year-old was splitting backfield work relatively evenly with fellow Steelers back Jaylen Warren. However, Warren has taken off as the lead back in Dowdle's absence, totaling 490 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns over the past three weeks. While Dowdle will surely play a role in the Steelers' offense upon his return, he's unlikely to see a fantasy-relevant workload while Warren remains healthy.
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Germie Bernard's 92% Snap Share Is Hard to Ignore
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard is suddenly playing almost every down, a notable development for a rookie who had just seven catches for 60 yards through his first four games. Bernard logged 55 offensive snaps (92%) in Sunday's 34-22 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, matching DK Metcalf's playing time while leading Pittsburgh with nine targets. He turned those chances into six receptions for a career-high 80 yards, and the Steelers have plenty of reasons to keep him heavily involved against Tampa Bay in Week 6. Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) remains on injured reserve, while Roman Wilson (finger) and Ben Skowronek (calf) have already been ruled out. That leaves Bernard with a chance to establish himself as a more prominent receiving option alongside Metcalf. His nine-target performance might be difficult to replicate once Pittsburgh gets healthier, but playing nearly every snap gives him a realistic path to consistent production. Bernard deserves WR3 or flex consideration in deeper PPR leagues, especially for managers navigating injuries and bye-week absences.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Darnell Washington Worth a Stash in Deep Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington has been getting enough work in the last few weeks to be worth watching, even though Pat Freiermuth is clearly the top tight end for Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers typically does a good job spreading the ball around to multiple targets, and Washington is a big target for him to utilize, especially in the red zone. Washington has at least three targets in each of his last three games, and he got into the end zone against the Browns in Week 4. In Week 5, he had two catches on three targets for 12 yards against the Colts. He isn't getting enough work to be a regular starting option in standard-sized leagues, but he does have enough touchdown-dependent upside to be worth a stash in deep leagues. If he became a full-time starter, he'd have potential top-10 upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
