The Ravens' win over the Packers on Saturday night put the pressure back on the Steelers in the race for the AFC North crown. Fortunately, all they have to do is beat the Browns in Cleveland, though it's a place they have not won since Ben Roethlisberger retired.
Here's a snapshot of what the Browns bring into Week 17:
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Head coach: Kevin Stefanski (2020-present) Record: 3-12 Standing: Fourth, AFC North Last result: Lost to Bills, 23-20
THE TREND
The last time these two teams squared off, the Browns were playing much better than their 1-4 record indicated. They had one of the better defenses in the league, were ranked No.1 in stopping the run and could run the ball very well. Inconsistency at quarterback was holding them back.
Now, the wheels have completely fallen off. The Steelers won that Week 6 matchup, and the Browns have gone 1-7 since then, with their only win coming against a Raiders team that's currently 2-13.
Injuries have ravaged the Browns. They have several starters on injured reserve, and several more starters are either missing games or battling injuries and playing significantly less than 100 percent. The Browns are still a bad football team, but there's no denying injuries have seriously affected their season.
Even so, the Browns are perfect playing against the Steelers at their home stadium since Roethlisberger played his final season in 2021. Two of the three games since then have been on Thursday nights (the Steelers typically play woefully worse on short weeks), and the other Steelers' loss was in 2023 when Dorian Thompson-Robinson was the starting quarterback for Cleveland. That was Matt Canada's final game as offensive coordinator. Even if the Steelers already have the AFC North won by the time they step onto Huntington Bank Field, ending the streak of losses there is necessary within this rivalry.
THE QUARTERBACK: Shedeur Sanders
• Height: 6-2 • Weight: 212 • Drafted: Browns, 2025, fifth round (144th overall) • Career accolades: TBD • Completions: 92 (40th) • Attempts: 167 (39th) • Completion percentage: 55.1% (69th among all QBs) • Passing yards: 1,103 (38th) • Passing touchdowns: 6 (T-38th) • Interceptions: 8 (T-13th most) • Passer rating: 67.5 (70th among all QBs) • Yards per attempt: 6.6 (T-44th among all QBs) • Average time to throw: 3.25 seconds (highest among QBs who've started at least five games) • Sacks: 15 (37th) • Pressure rate: 50.5% (highest among QBs who've started at least five games) • EPA/play: -0.189 (40th among 40 QBs who've played at least 200 snaps) • Completion percentage over expected (CPOE): -6.0% (38th among 40 QBs who've played at least 200 snaps) • Average air yards: 7.0 (32nd among 40 QBs who've played at least 200 snaps)
RBSDM.COM
Sanders initially got his shot to start after Dillion Gabriel suffered a concussion against the Ravens on Nov. 16. After three starts in which the Browns went 1-2 with Sanders at quarterback, Stefanski announced Sanders would be the starter for the remainder of the season. Since then, the Browns have lost both of their games: A 31-3 loss to the Bears in Chicago, then a hard-fought 23-20 loss to the Bills in Cleveland last week.
A lot of the strengths and weaknesses in Sanders' game from his best days at Colorado have shown up in the NFL. For his age, he has exceptional pocket presence, though he can still look like a rookie at times. When Sanders stays on platform, he can be a very accurate passer. And, Sanders has been a bit more of a threat with his legs than expected as a rookie, though he's hardly a true dual-threat quarterback. He can occasionally make plays with his legs, but there won't be a whole lot of quarterback-designed runs.
However, Sanders doesn't have an elite NFL arm. His arm strength is average at best, meaning his throws downfield can lose some zip, especially now that it's December in Cleveland. Just like he did at Colorado, Sanders can try too often to make the big play instead of just taking what the defense gives him. That's one of the reasons why he owns the highest average time to throw among all quarterbacks who have started at least five games.
THE OFFENSE
Offensive coordinator/play-caller: Tommy Rees (2025-present)
• Total yards per game: 266.3 (30th) • Passing yards per game: 169.5 (29th) • Rushing yards per game: 96.9 (28th) • Points per game: 16.4 (31st) • Yards per play: 4.3 (32nd) • Turnovers: 22 (T-26th) • EPA/play: -0.177 (32nd) • EPA/dropback: -0.214 (32nd) • EPA/rush: -0.113 (25th) • Third down efficiency: 33.3% (T-29th) • Red zone touchdown efficiency: 55.6% (21st) • 11 personnel usage: 43.53% (27th) • 12 personnel usage: 42.13% (1st) • 13 personnel usage: 3.77% (19th) • 21 personnel usage: 1.40% (24th)
Stefanski and Rees are doing everything they can to protect Sanders. They want to establish the run more than anything. If they accomplish that, they can stay on schedule and keep Sanders to throwing screens, passes to the flat and underneath routes. Last week against the Bills, Sanders didn't attempt a pass more than 12 yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
Unfortunately for the Browns, they just lost Quinshon Judkins for the season with a broken leg. Judkins had a real shot to get to 1,000 yards as a rookie, but will wind up 173 yards shy of that in what's been a respectable rookie season. Now, the Browns will rely on rookie Dylan Sampson, Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams to carry the load at running back. However, the Browns' running game remains one of the worst in the NFL. One of the reasons is Jack Conklin, Dawand Jones and Ethan Pocic are all on injured reserve. The Browns' offensive line is nowhere near the formidable unit it used to be, and the injuries to the unit are a big reason why.
The Browns use more 12 personnel than any other team in football. Their tight ends are the central focus in the passing game, centered around rookie Harold Fannin Jr., who leads the team in receptions (70), receiving yards (701) and receiving touchdowns (5). Jerry Jeudy is the Browns' No. 1 receiver. But, the passing game runs mainly through the tight ends and running backs, as 65.1% of the completed passes have gone to both of those positions.
THE DEFENSE
Defensive coordinator/play-caller: Jim Schwartz (2023-present)
• Total yards per game: 277.8 (2nd) • Passing yards per game: 164.1 (1st) • Rushing yards per game: 113.7 (14th) • Points per game: 23.7 (20th) • Yards per play: 4.7 (T-2nd) • Takeaways: 16 (T-21st) • EPA/play: -0.073 (4th) • EPA/dropback: -0.054 (4th) • EPA/rush: -0.099 (13th) • Third down efficiency: 37.0% (11th) • Red zone touchdown efficiency: 59.1% (T-19th) • Base defense usage: 35.63% (6th) • Nickel usage: 44.34% (27th) • Dime usage: 12.22% (14th) • Man coverage: 41.9% (1st) • Zone coverage: 57.1% (31st) • Single-high usage (MFC): 68.8% (1st) • Two-high usage (MFO): 31.3% (32nd) • Cover 1 usage: 38.1% (1st) • Cover 2 usage: 16.5% (10th) • Blitz rate: 30.5% (T-9th) • Sacks: 49 (3rd) • Pressure rate: 39.0% (5th)
For as bad as the Browns have been on offense, their defense remains one of the best in the NFL. Everything starts up front, beginning with Myles Garrett. While he's hated by so many who support black and gold, Garrett is one of the most dominant defensive players on the planet. He's a consistent force in the backfield, and his 22 sacks are just a half sack away from tying the NFL record held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. You can bet he's going to do everything within his power to make history against the Steelers.
The Browns had a hole at linebacker after Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah sustained a scary neck injury last October. However, Carson Schwesinger has come in after being drafted in the second round and become a menace at linebacker. He currently leads the Browns and ranks fifth in the NFL with 147 tackles, and he's a very responsible coverage linebacker, as well. Schwesinger is flanked by Jerome Baker and former Steelers' first-round pick Devin Bush, who might be having the best season of his career. Bush currently has 102 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, one pick six, seven passes defensed and one forced fumble.
The Browns' secondary is usually a strength, starting with four-time All-Pro Denzel Ward. However, despite being named to the Pro Bowl, Ward has had a very underwhelming season with just one interception and eight passes defensed. Tyson Campbell was brought in via trade in the middle of the season and recorded one interception and 10 passes defensed in 10 games with Cleveland. Grant Delpit is as steady as they come at strong safety, with Ronnie Hickman lining up at free safety. Schwartz's goal with this group is simple: Man up, stop the run and let the pass rush get after the quarterback.
THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Andre Szmyt handles placekicking duties, making 20 of 23 field goal attempts with a long of 55 yards. He's missed one of his 23 extra-point attempts, as well. Corey Bojorquez is in his fourth season as Cleveland's punter, coming off a season in which he led the NFL in punts, punting yardage and had the longest punt last season (84 yards). The Browns have relied on several players to handle kick returns this season, but that's mainly being split up between Sampson and Malachi Corley right now. Wide receiver Gage Larvadain returns punts.
THE INJURY REPORT
Ruled OUT:
• David Njoku, TE (knee/personal) -- Njoku missed practice all week and will not play on Sunday. This is a pretty significant blow to an offense that relies heavily on their tight ends.
• *Winston Reid, LB (back) -- Reid is working his way back from injured reserve, but is still not cleared to play after being a limited participant in practice throughout the week.
Ruled as QUESTIONABLE:
• Harold Fannin Jr., TE (groin) -- Fannin popped up on Friday's injury report and immediately earned a questionable tag for Sunday. Losing Fannin would be a huge blow to an offense that relies so much on tight ends, especially since Njoku has already been ruled out.
• Dillon Gabriel, QB (left shoulder) -- Like Fannin, Gabriel also popped up on Friday's report with an injury to his throwing shoulder. He's slated to be Sanders' backup. Bailey Zappe could be elevated to the Browns' active roster if Gabriel can't play.
• Myles Harden, CB (shoulder) -- Harden was limited in practice all week and couldn't do anything to earn full clearance by the time of Friday's report. He's currently listed as the backup to Campbell at cornerback.
• Sam Kamara, DT (elbow) -- Kamara was also a limited participant in practice all week. He's the last listed defensive tackle on the Browns' depth chart.
• Dylan Sampson, RB (hand) -- With Judkins out for the season, Sampson is in line to be the lead back in the Cleveland offense. After being limited in practice all week, it's still uncertain if he'll play on Sunday or not. if he can't go, Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams would be in line for touches at running back.
• Wyatt Teller, G (calf) -- The Browns' starting right guard was limited in practice all week. If he can't play, Teven Jenkins would likely start in his stead.
Players on injury report, but cleared to play:
• Brenden Bates, TE (ankle) • Joel Bitonio, G (vet rest) • Tyson Campbell, CB (shoulder) • Mason Graham, DT (rib) • Mike Hall Jr., DT (illness) • Rayshawn Jenkins, S (ankle) • Teven Jenkins, G (shoulder) • Shedeur Sanders, QB (right finger) • Carson Schwesinger, LB (ankle) • Denzel Ward, CB (calf)
* - in 21-day window to return from injured reserve
Players on injured reserve/PUP:
• DeAndre Carter, WR • Maliek Collins, DT • Jack Conklin, OT • Martin Emerson Jr., CB • Jerome Ford, RB • Dawand Jones, OT • Dom Jones, CB • Quinshon Judkins, RB • Ethan Pocic, C • Nathaniel Watson, LB • Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB • Deshaun Watson, QB
Players on reserve/retired:
• David Bell, WR • Jordan Hicks, LB • Elerson G. Smith, DE
QUOTABLE
"Yeah, hard to say. They have a bunch of guys that can affect the game. They do a great job, run after the catch. Obviously, (Aaron) Rodgers is playing at an extremely high level, as accurate as anybody in the game. So, they have a bunch of different ways that they can get the ball down the field." -- Kevin Stefanski on if he expects things to change for Steelers without DK Metcalf
"I know getting to win versus any team means a lot for the Browns. So, I mean, you go in each and every game with motivation and with what you feel like you need to do within the scheme and understand how you need to play for you to be able to go out there and have success. So, I approach every game the same." -- Shedeur Sanders on if he's grown an appreciation for what it means for Browns fans to beat the Steelers
"I think teams always kind of evolve throughout the year, right? Who you are in the middle of the year early in the year is probably different than who you are down the stretch. And they’ve done a nice job of finding new wrinkles, new complements, matching their wrinkles to who their personnel is. Obviously, (T.J.) Watt’s, a great player, you got to account for him, but they have other guys that have been in and out or new guys on the team that present different challenges." -- Tommy Rees on Steelers' schematic changes on defense, playing without T.J. Watt
"Yeah, I mean, it’s not just him, it’s (Kenneth Gainwell) too. Gainwell’s really increased his role since the first time we’ve played, not just in the run game, but in the passing game. And one of the things Pittsburgh does with Aaron Rodgers is they throw a lot of short RPOs, quick passes, little option routes to the running back, which are high percentage plays that are sort of an extension of the running game. And both of those guys are really good run after catch. A lot of short throws, a lot of quick throws and run after the catch, and both Warren and Gainwell give those guys…a little bit of a different style. You know, Gainwell’s more of a jump cut, glider kind of a guy, and Warren is just compact and vertical, a lot like the guy we saw from Chicago (Kyle Monangai), who, I know I butcher his name, and I respect that guy. And the Raiders guy, (Ashton) Jeanty and those guys, he’s a little bit more in that mode. They’ll use both of them, so we got to know which guy is out there, and then also just really work hard for tackling and allowing no run after contact, but also no run after the catch." -- Jim Schwartz on Jaylen Warren, Steelers' running backs
THE ASYLUM
Next Opponent: No excuse to lose
The Ravens' win over the Packers on Saturday night put the pressure back on the Steelers in the race for the AFC North crown. Fortunately, all they have to do is beat the Browns in Cleveland, though it's a place they have not won since Ben Roethlisberger retired.
Here's a snapshot of what the Browns bring into Week 17:
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Head coach: Kevin Stefanski (2020-present)
Record: 3-12
Standing: Fourth, AFC North
Last result: Lost to Bills, 23-20
THE TREND
The last time these two teams squared off, the Browns were playing much better than their 1-4 record indicated. They had one of the better defenses in the league, were ranked No.1 in stopping the run and could run the ball very well. Inconsistency at quarterback was holding them back.
Now, the wheels have completely fallen off. The Steelers won that Week 6 matchup, and the Browns have gone 1-7 since then, with their only win coming against a Raiders team that's currently 2-13.
Injuries have ravaged the Browns. They have several starters on injured reserve, and several more starters are either missing games or battling injuries and playing significantly less than 100 percent. The Browns are still a bad football team, but there's no denying injuries have seriously affected their season.
Even so, the Browns are perfect playing against the Steelers at their home stadium since Roethlisberger played his final season in 2021. Two of the three games since then have been on Thursday nights (the Steelers typically play woefully worse on short weeks), and the other Steelers' loss was in 2023 when Dorian Thompson-Robinson was the starting quarterback for Cleveland. That was Matt Canada's final game as offensive coordinator. Even if the Steelers already have the AFC North won by the time they step onto Huntington Bank Field, ending the streak of losses there is necessary within this rivalry.
THE QUARTERBACK: Shedeur Sanders
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 212
• Drafted: Browns, 2025, fifth round (144th overall)
• Career accolades: TBD
• Completions: 92 (40th)
• Attempts: 167 (39th)
• Completion percentage: 55.1% (69th among all QBs)
• Passing yards: 1,103 (38th)
• Passing touchdowns: 6 (T-38th)
• Interceptions: 8 (T-13th most)
• Passer rating: 67.5 (70th among all QBs)
• Yards per attempt: 6.6 (T-44th among all QBs)
• Average time to throw: 3.25 seconds (highest among QBs who've started at least five games)
• Sacks: 15 (37th)
• Pressure rate: 50.5% (highest among QBs who've started at least five games)
• EPA/play: -0.189 (40th among 40 QBs who've played at least 200 snaps)
• Completion percentage over expected (CPOE): -6.0% (38th among 40 QBs who've played at least 200 snaps)
• Average air yards: 7.0 (32nd among 40 QBs who've played at least 200 snaps)
RBSDM.COM
Sanders initially got his shot to start after Dillion Gabriel suffered a concussion against the Ravens on Nov. 16. After three starts in which the Browns went 1-2 with Sanders at quarterback, Stefanski announced Sanders would be the starter for the remainder of the season. Since then, the Browns have lost both of their games: A 31-3 loss to the Bears in Chicago, then a hard-fought 23-20 loss to the Bills in Cleveland last week.
A lot of the strengths and weaknesses in Sanders' game from his best days at Colorado have shown up in the NFL. For his age, he has exceptional pocket presence, though he can still look like a rookie at times. When Sanders stays on platform, he can be a very accurate passer. And, Sanders has been a bit more of a threat with his legs than expected as a rookie, though he's hardly a true dual-threat quarterback. He can occasionally make plays with his legs, but there won't be a whole lot of quarterback-designed runs.
However, Sanders doesn't have an elite NFL arm. His arm strength is average at best, meaning his throws downfield can lose some zip, especially now that it's December in Cleveland. Just like he did at Colorado, Sanders can try too often to make the big play instead of just taking what the defense gives him. That's one of the reasons why he owns the highest average time to throw among all quarterbacks who have started at least five games.
THE OFFENSE
Offensive coordinator/play-caller: Tommy Rees (2025-present)
Rees' most notable previous jobs: Browns' pass game specialist/tight ends coach (2024), Alabama offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (2023), Notre Dame offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (2020-2022)
• Total yards per game: 266.3 (30th)
• Passing yards per game: 169.5 (29th)
• Rushing yards per game: 96.9 (28th)
• Points per game: 16.4 (31st)
• Yards per play: 4.3 (32nd)
• Turnovers: 22 (T-26th)
• EPA/play: -0.177 (32nd)
• EPA/dropback: -0.214 (32nd)
• EPA/rush: -0.113 (25th)
• Third down efficiency: 33.3% (T-29th)
• Red zone touchdown efficiency: 55.6% (21st)
• 11 personnel usage: 43.53% (27th)
• 12 personnel usage: 42.13% (1st)
• 13 personnel usage: 3.77% (19th)
• 21 personnel usage: 1.40% (24th)
Stefanski and Rees are doing everything they can to protect Sanders. They want to establish the run more than anything. If they accomplish that, they can stay on schedule and keep Sanders to throwing screens, passes to the flat and underneath routes. Last week against the Bills, Sanders didn't attempt a pass more than 12 yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
Unfortunately for the Browns, they just lost Quinshon Judkins for the season with a broken leg. Judkins had a real shot to get to 1,000 yards as a rookie, but will wind up 173 yards shy of that in what's been a respectable rookie season. Now, the Browns will rely on rookie Dylan Sampson, Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams to carry the load at running back. However, the Browns' running game remains one of the worst in the NFL. One of the reasons is Jack Conklin, Dawand Jones and Ethan Pocic are all on injured reserve. The Browns' offensive line is nowhere near the formidable unit it used to be, and the injuries to the unit are a big reason why.
The Browns use more 12 personnel than any other team in football. Their tight ends are the central focus in the passing game, centered around rookie Harold Fannin Jr., who leads the team in receptions (70), receiving yards (701) and receiving touchdowns (5). Jerry Jeudy is the Browns' No. 1 receiver. But, the passing game runs mainly through the tight ends and running backs, as 65.1% of the completed passes have gone to both of those positions.
THE DEFENSE
Defensive coordinator/play-caller: Jim Schwartz (2023-present)
Schwartz's most notable previous jobs: Eagles' defensive coordinator (2016-2020), Bills' defensive coordinator (2014), Lions' head coach (2009-2013), Titans' defensive coordinator (2001-2008)
• Total yards per game: 277.8 (2nd)
• Passing yards per game: 164.1 (1st)
• Rushing yards per game: 113.7 (14th)
• Points per game: 23.7 (20th)
• Yards per play: 4.7 (T-2nd)
• Takeaways: 16 (T-21st)
• EPA/play: -0.073 (4th)
• EPA/dropback: -0.054 (4th)
• EPA/rush: -0.099 (13th)
• Third down efficiency: 37.0% (11th)
• Red zone touchdown efficiency: 59.1% (T-19th)
• Base defense usage: 35.63% (6th)
• Nickel usage: 44.34% (27th)
• Dime usage: 12.22% (14th)
• Man coverage: 41.9% (1st)
• Zone coverage: 57.1% (31st)
• Single-high usage (MFC): 68.8% (1st)
• Two-high usage (MFO): 31.3% (32nd)
• Cover 1 usage: 38.1% (1st)
• Cover 2 usage: 16.5% (10th)
• Blitz rate: 30.5% (T-9th)
• Sacks: 49 (3rd)
• Pressure rate: 39.0% (5th)
For as bad as the Browns have been on offense, their defense remains one of the best in the NFL. Everything starts up front, beginning with Myles Garrett. While he's hated by so many who support black and gold, Garrett is one of the most dominant defensive players on the planet. He's a consistent force in the backfield, and his 22 sacks are just a half sack away from tying the NFL record held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. You can bet he's going to do everything within his power to make history against the Steelers.
The Browns had a hole at linebacker after Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah sustained a scary neck injury last October. However, Carson Schwesinger has come in after being drafted in the second round and become a menace at linebacker. He currently leads the Browns and ranks fifth in the NFL with 147 tackles, and he's a very responsible coverage linebacker, as well. Schwesinger is flanked by Jerome Baker and former Steelers' first-round pick Devin Bush, who might be having the best season of his career. Bush currently has 102 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, one pick six, seven passes defensed and one forced fumble.
The Browns' secondary is usually a strength, starting with four-time All-Pro Denzel Ward. However, despite being named to the Pro Bowl, Ward has had a very underwhelming season with just one interception and eight passes defensed. Tyson Campbell was brought in via trade in the middle of the season and recorded one interception and 10 passes defensed in 10 games with Cleveland. Grant Delpit is as steady as they come at strong safety, with Ronnie Hickman lining up at free safety. Schwartz's goal with this group is simple: Man up, stop the run and let the pass rush get after the quarterback.
THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Andre Szmyt handles placekicking duties, making 20 of 23 field goal attempts with a long of 55 yards. He's missed one of his 23 extra-point attempts, as well. Corey Bojorquez is in his fourth season as Cleveland's punter, coming off a season in which he led the NFL in punts, punting yardage and had the longest punt last season (84 yards). The Browns have relied on several players to handle kick returns this season, but that's mainly being split up between Sampson and Malachi Corley right now. Wide receiver Gage Larvadain returns punts.
THE INJURY REPORT
Ruled OUT:
• David Njoku, TE (knee/personal) -- Njoku missed practice all week and will not play on Sunday. This is a pretty significant blow to an offense that relies heavily on their tight ends.
• *Winston Reid, LB (back) -- Reid is working his way back from injured reserve, but is still not cleared to play after being a limited participant in practice throughout the week.
Ruled as QUESTIONABLE:
• Harold Fannin Jr., TE (groin) -- Fannin popped up on Friday's injury report and immediately earned a questionable tag for Sunday. Losing Fannin would be a huge blow to an offense that relies so much on tight ends, especially since Njoku has already been ruled out.
• Dillon Gabriel, QB (left shoulder) -- Like Fannin, Gabriel also popped up on Friday's report with an injury to his throwing shoulder. He's slated to be Sanders' backup. Bailey Zappe could be elevated to the Browns' active roster if Gabriel can't play.
• Myles Harden, CB (shoulder) -- Harden was limited in practice all week and couldn't do anything to earn full clearance by the time of Friday's report. He's currently listed as the backup to Campbell at cornerback.
• Sam Kamara, DT (elbow) -- Kamara was also a limited participant in practice all week. He's the last listed defensive tackle on the Browns' depth chart.
• Dylan Sampson, RB (hand) -- With Judkins out for the season, Sampson is in line to be the lead back in the Cleveland offense. After being limited in practice all week, it's still uncertain if he'll play on Sunday or not. if he can't go, Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams would be in line for touches at running back.
• Wyatt Teller, G (calf) -- The Browns' starting right guard was limited in practice all week. If he can't play, Teven Jenkins would likely start in his stead.
Players on injury report, but cleared to play:
• Brenden Bates, TE (ankle)
• Joel Bitonio, G (vet rest)
• Tyson Campbell, CB (shoulder)
• Mason Graham, DT (rib)
• Mike Hall Jr., DT (illness)
• Rayshawn Jenkins, S (ankle)
• Teven Jenkins, G (shoulder)
• Shedeur Sanders, QB (right finger)
• Carson Schwesinger, LB (ankle)
• Denzel Ward, CB (calf)
* - in 21-day window to return from injured reserve
Players on injured reserve/PUP:
• DeAndre Carter, WR
• Maliek Collins, DT
• Jack Conklin, OT
• Martin Emerson Jr., CB
• Jerome Ford, RB
• Dawand Jones, OT
• Dom Jones, CB
• Quinshon Judkins, RB
• Ethan Pocic, C
• Nathaniel Watson, LB
• Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB
• Deshaun Watson, QB
Players on reserve/retired:
• David Bell, WR
• Jordan Hicks, LB
• Elerson G. Smith, DE
QUOTABLE
"Yeah, hard to say. They have a bunch of guys that can affect the game. They do a great job, run after the catch. Obviously, (Aaron) Rodgers is playing at an extremely high level, as accurate as anybody in the game. So, they have a bunch of different ways that they can get the ball down the field." -- Kevin Stefanski on if he expects things to change for Steelers without DK Metcalf
"I know getting to win versus any team means a lot for the Browns. So, I mean, you go in each and every game with motivation and with what you feel like you need to do within the scheme and understand how you need to play for you to be able to go out there and have success. So, I approach every game the same." -- Shedeur Sanders on if he's grown an appreciation for what it means for Browns fans to beat the Steelers
"I think teams always kind of evolve throughout the year, right? Who you are in the middle of the year early in the year is probably different than who you are down the stretch. And they’ve done a nice job of finding new wrinkles, new complements, matching their wrinkles to who their personnel is. Obviously, (T.J.) Watt’s, a great player, you got to account for him, but they have other guys that have been in and out or new guys on the team that present different challenges." -- Tommy Rees on Steelers' schematic changes on defense, playing without T.J. Watt
"Yeah, I mean, it’s not just him, it’s (Kenneth Gainwell) too. Gainwell’s really increased his role since the first time we’ve played, not just in the run game, but in the passing game. And one of the things Pittsburgh does with Aaron Rodgers is they throw a lot of short RPOs, quick passes, little option routes to the running back, which are high percentage plays that are sort of an extension of the running game. And both of those guys are really good run after catch. A lot of short throws, a lot of quick throws and run after the catch, and both Warren and Gainwell give those guys…a little bit of a different style. You know, Gainwell’s more of a jump cut, glider kind of a guy, and Warren is just compact and vertical, a lot like the guy we saw from Chicago (Kyle Monangai), who, I know I butcher his name, and I respect that guy. And the Raiders guy, (Ashton) Jeanty and those guys, he’s a little bit more in that mode. They’ll use both of them, so we got to know which guy is out there, and then also just really work hard for tackling and allowing no run after contact, but also no run after the catch." -- Jim Schwartz on Jaylen Warren, Steelers' running backs
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