With the playoff opener against the Browns just three days away, Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster did not practice yesterday because of a knee injury. He’s been dealing with a sore knee all season long but the team did not say whether yesterday’s absence was because of that injury or something new. Defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs was also sidelined, for illness. The team did not indicate that it was for covid.
Going full speed for the first time this week were cornerback Steven Nelson, nose tackle Tyson Alualu, linebacker Vince Williams, and kicker Chris Boswell. Guard Matt Feiler and linebacker Robert Spillane practiced again but have not yet been activated from injured reserve. Tight end Eric Ebron and reserve linebacker Cassius Marsh were activated from the reserve/covid list, but cornerback Joe Haden was not.
The Browns added safety Ronnie Harrison to their covid list and took fellow safety Andrew Sendejo off of it. Currently, Cleveland’s covid list includes seven rotational players and six coaches and they have not had an in-person practice this week. Nevertheless, the NFL says the game Sunday night is still on.
Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is about to play his first NFL playoff game and says the veterans in the locker room have been giving the youngsters guidance on what to expect.
The All-Pro Fitzpatrick says the Browns might be expected to shy away from throwing into his area in the middle of the field, but Baker Mayfield targeted him several times last Sunday.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says the atmosphere will be different at Heinz Field Sunday night, with no fans in attendance. Big Ben says that weakens the home field advantage they would normally have.
Roethlisberger hinted that the Steelers might have a few tricks up their sleeves for the Browns, perhaps involving Mason Rudolph and Josh Dobbs taking some snaps after their success last week.
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