The Pittsburgh Steelers have total control of the AFC North with two games left to go in the 2025 season. Not only will they have to deal with a pair of division rivals trying to take them out, but they have a ton of injuries to work around. They keep adding up, and it requires Pittsburgh to go deep into its depth pool and practice squad to have healthy, capable bodies that can play in all 60 minutes. That trend continued in Week 16.
Nick Smith / Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025 in Inglewood, CA.
The first problem is not injury, however. Top receiver DK Metcalf was caught on camera throwing a jab at a fan. While he only connected with the spectator's blue hair, the intent was still there, and it was very unsportsmanlike. He could get suspended for this action, and then would be out for the next week or two, depending on how the NFL decide to judge the situation.
On top of that, Calvin Austin III suffered a hamstring injury in the contest as well. He has not been used much recently, but he is still a quality pass-catching option and a true threat to take the top off a defense. Those kinds of muscle injuries can be very tricky, so he could be out for a while. He is still in the process of being evaluated, however. Fans are still waiting for an official update, but it does not look good.
#Steelers WR Calvin Austin III has a hamstring injury and is questionable to return to today’s game.
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 21, 2025
Losing him would be rough enough, but that combined with Metcalf's suspension could be a problem for the rest of the season. If those two are both out for the next game or two, the Steelers may opt to sign someone to help with the depth. The most likely option for that is yet another former teammate of Aaron Rodgers: Allen Lazard.
Bill Schulz / Packers News
Former teammates Aaron Rodgers and Allen Lazard hugging in celebration after a big play as members of the Green Bay Packers.
Rodgers has gotten more comfortable with former teammate Marquez Valdez-Scantling in the lineup, as well as Adam Thielen. It would make sense that the Steelers bring in another veteran teammate that also used to play with Rodgers to make him even happier and more comfortable. Lazard and Valdez-Scantling teaming back up to make the 42-year-old's life easier is definitely on Pittsburgh's radar, especially if Metcalf and Austin are out.
Lazard did not played well at all during his time with the New York Jets in 2025. He has just 10 receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown in 10 games. Comfort and chemistry mean a lot, and there was none for Lazard with his new set of quarterbacks. If he gets back with Rodgers, he will almost certainly have a handful of passes going his way until the two key wideouts for Pittsburgh are back.
Perry Knots / Getty Images
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hugging former teammate Allen Lizard while playing for the New York Jets
Rodgers is very particular with the way that he likes to do things, so bringing in a completely new receiver would not go over very well. Lazard may not have played well, but he can learn this offense better and quicker than anyone else that the Steelers could possibly sign off the streets. It likely won't be a long-term thing, but if it can help now, Pittsburgh will gladly do it.
Steelers' Young Gun Will Also Get Another Chance
Not only will Lazard have a shot to join the team, but second-year wideout Roman Wilson will almost certainly get a helmet for the first time in a few weeks after getting benched in favor of Thielen and Valdez-Scantling. He has been in the doghouse, but he will have the chance to earn the respect of his quarterback and coaches again.
What do you think about the Steelers possibly signing Lazard? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
#SteelerNation
