As the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for their Monday Night Football clash in Week 15, both teams have finalized their gameday rosters, trimming down from the standard 53-man squad to the 48-player limit. With playoff implications still in play, every decision matters - and tonight’s inactive lists offer a few key insights into how each team is approaching this primetime showdown.
Dolphins Inactives: Depth Shifts and Health Concerns
Miami’s list of inactives features quarterback Quinn Ewers, defensive back Elijah Campbell, cornerback A.J. Green III, offensive lineman Larry Borom, wide receiver Tahj Washington, and defensive tackle Matthew Butler.
Ewers is designated as the emergency quarterback - a role that’s become more strategically important across the league. Under NFL rules, he can only enter the game if both Tua Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson are sidelined due to injury. It’s a safety net, but one the Dolphins hope they won’t need to use.
Elijah Campbell, dealing with an ankle injury, was listed as doubtful heading into the weekend, so his absence doesn’t come as a surprise. His versatility in the secondary and special teams value will be missed, especially against a Steelers offense that’s looking to find rhythm in the passing game.
Larry Borom, who was questionable with an illness, will also sit this one out. That trims Miami’s offensive line depth, which is something to keep an eye on as the night progresses - especially if the Steelers’ pass rush finds its footing.
Rounding out the list are A.J. Green III, Tahj Washington, and Matthew Butler - all healthy scratches. Green and Washington are younger players still developing within Miami’s system, while Butler’s absence means the Dolphins will lean on their top defensive tackles to control the line of scrimmage.
Steelers Inactives: Watt Headlines a Tough List
For Pittsburgh, the headline is the absence of T.J. Watt.
The All-Pro linebacker was ruled out on Friday with a lung injury - a significant blow to a defense that feeds off his energy and disruption. Watt’s presence alone changes the way offenses scheme, so his absence forces Pittsburgh to get creative with its pass-rush approach.
Also inactive are wide receiver Roman Wilson, quarterback Will Howard, cornerback James Pierre, guard Andrus Peat, defensive tackle Bodric Martin-Rhodes, and defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.
Pierre (calf) and Peat (concussion) were also ruled out on Friday, so their absences were expected. Peat’s injury leaves a hole on the interior of the Steelers’ offensive line, which could be a pressure point for Miami’s front seven to exploit. Harmon was questionable with a knee injury and will join the list of sidelined defenders, thinning out Pittsburgh’s depth in the trenches.
Will Howard, like Ewers for the Dolphins, is the emergency quarterback tonight. The Steelers will roll with their starter and backup unless injuries force Howard into action.
One positive note for Pittsburgh: running back Jaylen Warren, who was questionable with an illness, is active and expected to play. His availability is critical, especially with the Steelers looking to establish balance on offense. Warren’s burst and ability to contribute in the passing game could be an X-factor against a Miami defense that can fly to the ball.
What It All Means
Both teams are dealing with injuries to key contributors, but Pittsburgh’s defense takes the bigger hit with Watt sidelined. Miami, meanwhile, keeps its core intact, though depth concerns - particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary - could become more apparent as the game wears on.
This is a crucial game for both squads as they jockey for playoff positioning. With rosters now locked in, the chess match begins. The stars will shine, but don’t be surprised if tonight’s outcome hinges on how well each team’s depth holds up under the Monday night lights.