The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns without star wide receiver DK Metcalf, who is serving a two-game suspension. Veteran addition Adam Thielen has praised the depth in the wide receiver room, while injuries continue to test the team's roster. Three players earned Pro Bowl nods, highlighting individual successes amid the challenges.
The Pittsburgh Steelers face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST in Cleveland, with the outcome potentially clinching the AFC North if the Baltimore Ravens lose or tie against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. DK Metcalf's suspension, stemming from a fan altercation last Sunday, leaves a void in the offense for the final two regular-season games. To fill the roster spot, the team signed veteran cornerback Tre Flowers to the 53-man roster on Thursday. Flowers, a former fifth-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2018, brings experience with 97 career games, four interceptions, and strong special teams play. He most recently appeared in two games for the Detroit Lions before being waived on December 1.
Wide receiver Adam Thielen, acquired off waivers from Minnesota on December 2, has quickly integrated and spoken highly of the receiver group. 'Yeah, I think that’s something that I learned very quickly when I got here is here’s a lot of guys in that receiver room that can do a lot of things and do ’em at a high level,' Thielen said Wednesday. He recorded six receptions for 60 yards in three games with Pittsburgh, including four for 42 yards in the Week 16 win over the Detroit Lions. Teammates like Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, and Ben Skowronek are expected to step up, with head coach Mike Tomlin expressing excitement for Wilson's opportunity after recent healthy scratches.
Injuries add complexity to preparations. The Thursday injury report listed three did-not-participate players: wide receiver Calvin Austin III (hamstring), safety Jalen Ramsey (illness), and cornerback Brandin Echols (groin). Edge rusher T.J. Watt remained limited as he returns from surgery for a partially collapsed lung, missing the last two games. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport called Watt's practice return a 'good sign' for Sunday availability. Other limited participants include guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps), who missed the Lions game, and cornerback James Pierre (calf), out for two contests.
On a positive note, three Steelers made the Pro Bowl: Watt, Ramsey, and special teamer Ben Skowronek. Skowronek, with 20 tackles despite a hand injury requiring a cast, reacted humbly: 'It’s a team award. We’ve had a pretty good unit this year.' The Steelers, winners of three straight, rely on rookie defenders like Derrick Harmon, Jack Sawyer, and Yahya Black to maintain defensive strength amid attrition. Tomlin praised their contributions: 'It’s been needed, particularly up front.' Former NFL lineman Kyle Long believes Pittsburgh, built for tough football, will 'handle business' against the 3-12 Browns, despite not winning in Cleveland since 2021.
