The Falcons vs Steelers matchup kicks off the 2026 NFL regular season with both teams entering Week 1 at Acrisure Stadium. The Pittsburgh Steelers are relatively healthy for the opener, while the Atlanta Falcons have several notable players listed among their inactives.
For fans following NFL today, the Steelers game today offers the first regular-season look at a revamped Pittsburgh roster, including offseason addition Michael Pittman Jr. The Steelers will also have their veteran defensive leaders, T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, available after both sat out the preseason.
Falcons vs Steelers Week 1 Inactives
The Steelers announced six inactive players ahead of Sunday’s Steelers vs Falcons game.
Steelers inactives:
- Drew Allar, QB
- Will Howard, QB — third quarterback
- Joey Porter Jr., CB
- Gennings Dunker, G
- Kevin Jobity Jr., DL
- Gabriel Rubio, DE
Joey Porter Jr. is the biggest name among Pittsburgh’s inactives. He was the only Steelers player listed on the injury report during the week.
The Steelers otherwise enter their season opener in strong health, giving fans an opportunity to see most of the projected starting defense in action.
T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward Ready for Steelers
One of the biggest storylines heading into the Steelers game is the return of T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward to game action.
Neither veteran defensive star played during the preseason, but both are expected to anchor a Pittsburgh defense that could immediately make its presence felt against the Falcons.
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham emphasized the value of having experienced leaders such as Watt and Heyward on the field. Pittsburgh is expected to lean on its defensive front while allowing its veteran playmakers to attack rather than overcomplicate the scheme.
Alex Highsmith, Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black are also among the players expected to contribute along the defensive front.
Michael Pittman Jr. Makes Steelers Debut
The Steelers’ offense also has an important debut to watch.
Wide receivers DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. are both ready to play after sitting out the preseason. Pittman is particularly intriguing because this will be his first regular-season appearance in a Pittsburgh uniform following his offseason trade from the Indianapolis Colts.
Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio said Pittman has been getting more comfortable with Pittsburgh’s terminology, scheme and adjustments.
His size, experience and ability to capitalize on favorable matchups could give the Steelers another important weapon as the season begins.
Falcons Inactives
The Atlanta Falcons also announced six inactive players for the opener:
- Tua Tagovailoa, QB
- Michael Penix Jr., QB
- Billy Bowman Jr., CB
- Malcolm DeWalt, CB
- Christian Harris, ILB
- Ethan Onianwa, T
The quarterback situation is therefore one of the major talking points surrounding the Falcons game.
Doneiko Slaughter Elevated for Week 1
Pittsburgh also elevated defensive back Doneiko Slaughter from the practice squad to the Active/Inactive Roster for Sunday’s matchup.
Slaughter joined the Steelers on a Reserve/Future contract after the 2025 season. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars following the 2025 NFL Draft.
His college career included time at Tennessee and Arkansas. During five college seasons, he appeared in 56 games and recorded 167 tackles, four sacks and 15 passes defensed.
He will revert to Pittsburgh’s practice squad following the game.
What to Watch in Falcons vs Steelers
The Falcons vs Steelers matchup provides several compelling Week 1 storylines.
For Pittsburgh, the biggest question is how quickly the defense can establish itself with Watt and Heyward back in the lineup. The Steelers will also get their first meaningful opportunity to see how their revamped receiving corps performs with Metcalf and Pittman together.
For Atlanta, the inactive quarterback list adds another layer of intrigue to the season opener. The Falcons will need their available offensive players to execute efficiently against a Pittsburgh defense built around experienced playmakers.
Steelers Schedule and 2026 Outlook
This Week 1 matchup begins the Steelers schedule 2026, making it an important first test for a team with postseason ambitions.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will want to start the year strongly at home, while the Atlanta Falcons have the opportunity to make an early statement on the road.
Fans searching for the Steelers schedule should also keep track of upcoming matchups as the 2026 season progresses. Week 1, however, immediately puts the Steelers against a Falcons team capable of testing both sides of the ball.
How to Watch the Steelers Game Today
The Steelers game today is being played at Acrisure Stadium, giving Pittsburgh home-field advantage for the season opener.
NFL+ is also offering fans a way to follow live local and primetime regular-season games on mobile, along with NFL RedZone, NFL Network and live audio.
With Watt and Heyward returning, Pittman making his Steelers debut and both teams beginning their 2026 campaigns, Falcons vs Steelers is one of the key games to watch on the opening NFL Sunday.
Final Takeaway
The Falcons vs Steelers opener comes with plenty of intrigue. Pittsburgh enters the matchup relatively healthy and gets its veteran defensive leaders back on the field, while Pittman and Metcalf add excitement to the offense.
The Falcons, meanwhile, will look to overcome their inactive list and begin the season with a strong road performance. For fans following NFL today, the Steelers vs Falcons matchup offers an early glimpse at what both teams could look like throughout the 2026 season
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