Pittsburgh Steelers receiver DK Metcalf (No. 4) fights for a thrown ball during a training-camp practice last month at Saint Vincent College. (Chaz Palla | TribLive)
Unlike predecessor Mike Tomlin, judging by his first weekly news conference as Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike McCarthy does not believe in 10-15 minute-long opening statements buttering up the upcoming opponent or offering a list of injury updates.
So when McCarthy stepped to the podium at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex late Monday afternoon, the first thing he did was field a general question about injures.
“We’re healthy,” McCarthy said after a rare Monday practice. “I don’t really expect anybody to have a hard time getting ready.”
The Steelers are spending this week getting ready to host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in the first game of the 2026 regular season. Though league-mandated official injury reports are not required until Wednesday, the news was good on Monday in regards to injuries for the Steelers.
Among those who had missed practice time in recent weeks and whose status was theoretically in question, all were on the field and taking part in individual drills during the small portion of the session that was open to media Monday.
That group included receivers DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. and Ben Skowronek, safety Jaquan Brisker, defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, rookie fullback Riley Nowakowski and backup quarterback Will Howard.
“I have a board, and all healthy names are on the board,” McCarthy said in explaining his game week routine. “You have projections of what your 48 (the game lineup) are going to be.”