The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 13th week of the 2023 which marks the final third of the regular season. With some keys players returning to action, how the inactive list will ultimately shape up is more of a mystery than the last few weeks.

The rules in the 2023 season when it comes to the players active on game day have been carried over from the last three seasons with one additional caveat. As long as a team has eight offensive linemen who will be dressing for the game, they could have 48 players on their active roster rather than the 46 in past years. If the Steelers elevate any players from their practice squad, their inactive list would increase by the same number of players. The one change this season is one quarterback on the inactive list can be designated as the “third quarterback” and will be in uniform, but they can only enter if the other two quarterbacks are injured. The player must be on the 53-man roster and will be designated when the inactive list is released 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

With the Steelers having until 4 PM on Saturday to make any roster moves or practice squad elevations, the exact number for the list is technically subject to change. While there could be an elevation from the practice squad, there is no guarantee there will be a move for Week 13. Because of these potential moves, they will ultimately determine the number of players who will be inactive.

Game Status

QUESTIONABLE:

DL Montravius Adams (ankle)

Here are the possibilities to end up inactive for the Steelers against the Cardinals on Sunday:

Definitely:

None– It’s a good thing that no players have been ruled out for the game.

Most Likely:

QB Mason Rudolph– Twelve games in a row this season.

OT Dylan Cook– The offensive line depth chart has not changed.

Possibly:

DL Montravius Adams– I thought he would be back this week, but now that he is questionable and was limited on Friday Adams could take another week.

CB Darius Rush– He got a helmet last week with there being only three safeties, but with the return of Fitzpatrick someone in the secondary will likely lose out.

RB Anthony McFarland Jr.– This was a surprising inactive last week as the Steelers went with Igwebuike. It should be one of the two RBs this week but who knows which one.

RB Godwin Igwebuike– Will he get the helmet two games in a row?

LB Blake Martinez– His name on the list likely comes if there is a roster move on Saturday. If not, Martinez could get into the mix.

TE Rodney Williams– The Steelers have had the luxury of an extra tight end since the return of Freiermuth, so there’s no guarantee they can continue to do so.

DL Armon Watts– If Adams returns, someone on the defensive line will probably not get a helmet. Watts was that guy for a while this season.

DL Isaiahh Loudermilk– Based on the most recent depth chart, Loudermilk is the last guy and could be out if Adams is back.

DL DeMarvin Leal– Although I don’t think it would be him, I at least have to note the potential of Leal being the guy who doesn’t get a helmet because he’s only played a few snaps over the last several games.

Unlikely:

S Minkah Fitzpatrick– He’s back. There’s no injury status. This is great news for the Steelers defense.

Projected Inactive List:

1. Mason Rudolph
2. Dylan Cook
3. Montravius Adams
4. Godwin Igwebuike
5. Darius Rush

They only guarantees this week come in the form of Mason Rudolph as the third quarterback and Dylan Cook. After those two, it really is a tossup.

I was surprised to see Adams end up questionable and take a step back his last day of practice. For this reason, and the fact the Steelers defensive line has performed well without him, the Steelers may slow play Montravius Adams even more. But if it’s not him, I’m leaning towards Isaiahh Loudermilk being the guy who doesn’t get a helmet.

As for the running back who is left out, I don’t know if they’re going to go back-and-forth or if there was really something that had the Steelers change to have it be Igwebuike over McFarland last week. I’m banking on a rotation so I’m flipping back to McFarland getting a helmet but it really is a coin flip.

For the fifth spot, I have Darius Rush simply because Minkah Fitzpatrick adds another player to the secondary. While I’d like to see the Steelers carry an extra defensive back, I don’t think they’ll do it at the expense of someone like tight end Rodney Williams.

As for Blake Martinez, I think he gets the helmet unless there’s a roster move. The Steelers cannot elevate Tariq Carpenter again, so they would have to put him on the 53-man roster. If so, one of the names already listed would likely be who is released, with my first option being a running back. Or the Steelers could elevate Myles Jack instead. But from what I’ve heard, Martinez might be ready to be available in a reserve role and could possibly even get playing time. This one will all come down to the 4 PM deadline for transactions.

As always, feel free to list your projected inactives in the comments below.