The Pittsburgh Steelers will enter the NFL playoffs with the worst record in the AFC. But as All-Pro defensive lineman Cameron Heyward seems to realize, that won’t matter much when the postseason starts.
What matters much more is who will be on the field in the playoffs. After Pittsburgh’s dramatic Week 18 victory, Heyward reminded everyone that wide receiver D.K. Metcalf will return for the Steelers.
“We’re going to the playoffs,” Heyward said to an NBC Sports camera after Week 18. “Guess what. We get DK [Metcalf] back.
“Let’s go.”
Metcalf will return in the AFC wild card round after a two-game suspension. The Pittsburgh No. 1 receiver missed the final two regular season games after engaging in an altercation with a fan during Week 16 against the Detroit Lions.
The Steelers will host the Houston Texans in the wild card round on Monday, January 12. Kickoff will occur at 8:15 pm ET.
Cameron Heyward Leads Steelers to Postseason Berth
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers stole the show for the Steelers with his fourth-quarter heroics against the Ravens. On defense, Heyward was outstanding, turning in one of his best performances of the campaign.
It might have been one of the top standout performances of Heyward’s career.
The 36-year-old led the Steelers with seven total tackles, including five solos. He also had a quarterback hit. He was all over the field.
The Steelers defense slowed down Ravens running back Derrick Henry enough, particularly in the middle of the game, to lead Pittsburgh to a division-clinching victory.
Behind Heyward and the rest of the Steelers defensive line, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had an uneventful game on the ground. Jackson ran for just nine yards on four carries. The Steelers also sacked the Ravens signal-caller three times.
Heyward finished the 2025 campaign, which was his 15th in the NFL, with 78 combined tackles, including nine for loss. He also had nine quarterback hits, six pass defenses and 3.5 sacks.
According to Pro Football Focus, Heyward was the top defensive lineman during the 2025 regular season.
On top of all that, Heyward also played three offensive snaps in Week 18. The veteran defensive lineman served as the pusher on the team’s tush push play.
D.K. Metcalf Set to Return for Steelers
The Steelers were a Ravens field goal at the end of regulation away from elimination Sunday night. But escaping Week 18 with a victory, Heyward and his teammates will have a chance to begin a new season on January 12.
In that new season, the Steelers offense could look very different than the past two weeks. With Metcalf, the Steelers are getting back the pass-catcher who led the team with 850 receiving yards and six touchdowns during 2025.
Metcalf also had 59 receptions on 99 targets. He led the Steelers in targets and was second in catches behind only running back Kenneth Gainwell.
Metcalf also had a 6-yard rushing touchdown during the regular season.
Without him, the Steelers offense struggled to stretch the field in Week 17 and early Sunday night against the Ravens. Rodgers and Heyward found a way to win. But Metcalf could be a difference marker in the playoffs.
Metcalf averaged 14.4 yards per catch in 2025. With him back in the fold, Calvin Austin III will return to his WR2 role. Role players Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen also won’t have as much pressure to make big plays.
At tight end, the Steelers will still be missing Darnell Washington in the playoffs. Washington suffered a broken arm in Week 17 and is expected to be out until February.
Against the Ravens, Pat Freiermuth played a larger role. The Steelers also have Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward at tight end.
Cameron Heyward could continue to see more playing time on the tush push play. Heyward received an opportunity in the unique formation Sunday night because of Washington’s injury.
Cameron Heyward Puts AFC on Notice After Steelers Clinch Playoff Spot