2025 NFL Playoff Buzz: Steelers' Metcalf Reinstated; 49ers Lose Another LB

The 2025 regular season is in the books, meaning it's time for some to switch gears to the offseason and others to shift focus to the NFL playoffs.

Every bit of news is all the more consequential entering the postseason, as the march to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara officially kicks off.

Who's hurt? Who's practicing? Who's starting? And who's on the hot seat? Here's the latest on what's happening around the league entering wild-card weekend:

The Pittsburgh Steelers officially welcomed their star wide receiver back into the fold Monday after Metcalf was reinstated following a two-game suspension. The penalty stemmed from Metcalf's infamous altercation with a Lions fan during a Week 16 road win over Detroit.

Metcalf returns at the perfect time for Pittsburgh as he looks to help the club win its first playoff game since 2016 when they meet the Houston Texans next Monday in the wild-card round. 

"We were definitely starting to hit our stride as an offense," Metcalf said Monday. "I think we found our groove and hoping we can pick that back up."

The Steelers (10-7) will have to try to do it against the NFL's top-ranked defense. Houston (12-5) has won nine straight since a 3-5 start.

"Just looking forward to another great matchup against some NFL-caliber players," Metcalf added. "They got some great edge rushers. They’re one of the top defenses in the league, so looking forward for that challenge."

The San Francisco 49ers and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh have had to deal with key injuries all season, and will continue to do so entering the postseason.

49ers linebacker Tatum Bethune will miss the entire postseason due to a groin injury, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced Monday. Bethune, who filled in for the injured Fred