Steelers’ attempt to wrap up a playoff spot takes a major hit following latest update on a pair of star defenders
The Steelers will be depleted against the Browns on Sunday.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a clear goal this weekend: to be crowned champions of the AFC North. There are a few ways that can happen. The easiest one is a Baltimore Ravens loss to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night.
In that scenario, the Steelers can wear their hats and t-shirts to the game as division champions. But with the Packers already in the playoffs and their starting QB out, a Ravens team fighting for their playoff lives might get the job done. In which case, the onus is on the Steelers to beat the Browns. That’s easier said then done when looking at the final injury report, however.
T.J. Watt out vs. Browns on Sunday
The headliner here is Watt, who, despite returning to practice this week, has been ruled out 48 hours before the kick in Cleveland. Three limited participant designations were a clue, but when Watt didn’t speak to the media on Friday, that told you everything about his participation for Sunday.
The problem for the Steelers goes well beyond Watt, however. James Pierre seems to have relapsed in his recovery. Brandin Echols, who has been fantastic in the slot is out, and if Jalen Ramsey doesn’t get much better and fast, that will be four starters down for the Steelers’ defense.
Mind you, this comes on the heels of an offense that is down its top two wide receivers with both Calvin Austin III and DK Metcalf out. Austin with the hammy, Metcalf with the suspension for his altercation with a Lions fan.
Safe to say it will be a skeleton crew out there on Sunday, and with a ton on the line potentially.
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