Wild Card Finale: Texans, Steelers Close Opening Round Under Monday Night Lights

Injuries, historical context, and contrasting strengths frame the final game of the 2026 Wild Card Weekend in Pittsburgh.

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The 2026 NFL Wild Card Weekend concludes Monday night as the Houston Texans visit the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, with a Divisional Round berth on the line. Both teams enter the postseason matchup managing key injury considerations while leaning on distinct statistical identities established during the regular season.

Houston arrives with a relatively lengthy injury report, though several starters trended toward availability late in the week. Running back Jawhar Jordan and cornerback Ajani Carter have been ruled out, while safety Jaylen Reed is listed as questionable. Multiple offensive linemen, including Tytus Howard and Trent Brown, practiced in limited or full fashion, providing optimism for trench continuity.

Texans Injury Report

• OUT: RB Jawhar Jordan (ankle)

• OUT: CB Ajani Carter (hamstring)

• QUESTIONABLE: S Jaylen Reed (forearm)

Pittsburgh’s final report is lighter by comparison. Defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk has been ruled out, while running back Jaylen Warren and tight end Jonnu Smith progressed to full participation. Quarterback Aaron Rodgerspracticed fully throughout the week, as did edge rusher T.J. Watt, signaling stability for the Steelers entering the postseason.

Steelers Injury Report

• OUT: DT Isaiahh Loudermilk (ankle)

• DK Metcalf Returns after two-game league-mandated suspension following dispute with fan.

Matchup History

• Steelers lead series 5-3-0 (since 2002)

• Steelers won three straight prior to 2023

• Last matchup: Texans won 30-6 (2023)

• Points scored: Steelers 179, Texans 145

From a statistical standpoint, Houston’s defense has been the more consistent unit, ranking sixth against the pass and fourth versus the run. Pittsburgh’s defense has been more vulnerable through the air but held firm against rushing attacks. Offensively, both teams finished in the bottom third of the league in rushing production, placing added emphasis on execution in the passing game.

Stat Check

• Texans offense: 14th PYG (218.1), 22nd RYG (108.9)

• Steelers defense: 29th PYG allowed (243.9), 13th RYG allowed (113.1)

• Steelers offense: 22nd PYG (202.4), 26th RYG (103.3)

• Texans defense: 6th PYG allowed (183.5), 4th RYG allowed (93.7)

Houston will wear deep steel blue helmets with white jerseys and pants, while Pittsburgh will take the field in its traditional black jerseys and gold pants.

Uniforms

• Texans: Deep steel blue helmet, liberty white jersey, liberty white pants

• Steelers: Black helmet, black jersey, gold pants

Injuries and matchups often decide playoff games just as much as talent does. Which injury situation stands out the most to you, and do you think this matchup history tells us anything about how Monday night might unfold? Let’s Talk About It!