The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off their bye week and have an opportunity to improve to 4-1 when they meet the struggling Cleveland Browns this Sunday. However, they have several key players dealing with injuries.
Linebacker Alex Highsmith, running back Jaylen Warren and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. have been out of action for some time. However, all three took part in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, and therefore, there is tangible optimism that they will be able to play this weekend.
The same cannot be said for veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey and wide receiver Calvin Austin III, both of whom haven’t taken the field for a single practice all week, per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic.
Ramsey has been a key piece for Pittsburgh this season as it looks to reach the NFL playoffs for the third season in a row. He leads the team with four passes defended, and he also has one interception and 14 total tackles (eight solo) through four games. He’s a seven-time Pro Bowler, and at age 30, it appears he still has enough left in his tank.
In Pittsburgh’s last game, it was able to force Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz into two interceptions, and he completed just 30 of 46 pass attempts while getting sacked six times. But overall, the Steelers’ defense has been struggling a bit - they came into Thursday ranked 20th in points allowed and 30th in passing yards given up.
While the Browns aren’t exactly an offensive juggernaut, their defense has been stingy, and the Steelers’ offense has had trouble moving the chains this season. If Aaron Rodgers and crew are unable to manufacture that many points, it will put a lot of pressure on their ailing defense, and that could be the type of thing that could enable the Browns to come up with a surprising victory.
So far this season, Austin has caught 10 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Rodgers has completed 68.5% of his pass attempts and thrown for 786 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. However, despite those solid numbers, Rodgers has shown that he’s well past his prime more often than not.
The Steelers will have a short rest after Sunday before they visit the Cincinnati Bengals next Thursday. They will then host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct. 26.
For more on the Steelers and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.