As the AFC North playoff picture starts to come into focus, the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a pivotal Week 17 clash that could carry serious postseason implications. With both teams still jockeying for position and dealing with a laundry list of injuries, the first official practice reports of the week give us a clearer-though still murky-view of who might be available when these rivals square off.
Let’s break down where things stand heading into the weekend.
Browns Injury Report: A Familiar Pattern, but Key Names to Watch
The Browns opted not to hold a practice on Christmas Day, so their participation levels are estimates. Still, the report paints a picture of a team that’s bruised but not broken.
Tight end David Njoku was the lone player listed as a non-participant, dealing with a knee issue. That’s a name to monitor closely.
Njoku has been a red-zone weapon and a safety valve all season, especially with a young quarterback under center. If he can’t go, Cleveland’s offensive game plan could shift significantly.
Speaking of that quarterback-Shedeur Sanders was a full participant despite a finger injury. That’s a big sigh of relief for Browns fans. Sanders has shown flashes of poise and arm talent, and his availability in a high-stakes divisional game is crucial.
The rest of the report is filled with limited participants, including several starters and impact players:
- Joel Bitonio (rest), Wyatt Teller (calf), and Teven Jenkins (shoulder) are all managing issues on the offensive line. That trio represents the heart of Cleveland’s protection unit, and their health will be key to keeping Sanders upright.
- On the defensive side, Denzel Ward (calf), Tyson Campbell (shoulder), and Myles Harden (shoulder) are all working through ailments in the secondary. Against a Pittsburgh team that can stretch the field, even without a fully healthy receiving corps, this is something to keep an eye on.
- The interior of the defensive line is also banged up, with Mason Graham (rib), Mike Hall Jr. (illness), and Sam Kamara (elbow) all limited. Depth could become a factor if the Steelers try to lean on the run game late.
This isn’t a new story for Cleveland-managing injuries has been a season-long theme-but the cumulative effect is worth watching. With so many starters limited, Friday’s final injury report will give us a better sense of who’s trending up or down.
Steelers Injury Report: Some New Additions, and a Few Shifts
Unlike the Browns, the Steelers practiced on Christmas, and their report came with a few updates-some encouraging, others not so much.
The headline here is Jalen Ramsey being added to the report with an illness and not practicing. That’s a new development and one that could impact Pittsburgh’s ability to match up against Cleveland’s tight ends and slot receivers.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who’s been managing a left wrist issue, was a full participant. That’s obviously a good sign, even if the Steelers might consider resting some veterans depending on how things shake out in the division. More on that in a bit.
Other notable changes:
- Jaylen Warren (hip) was upgraded from limited to full, suggesting he’s trending in the right direction. His burst out of the backfield has been a difference-maker this season.
- Troy Fautanu (personal) returned to full participation after missing time, which helps stabilize Pittsburgh’s offensive line.
- Cameron Heyward (rest) moved from DNP to limited, which likely indicates a maintenance plan more than a serious concern.
- T.J. Watt (lung) remains limited, which is eyebrow-raising given the nature of the injury.
Even at less than 100%, Watt is a game-wrecker, but the Steelers will have to weigh the risk of pushing him too hard.
Still out or limited are Calvin Austin (hamstring), Brandin Echols (groin), and Nick Herbig (hamstring), which could impact Pittsburgh’s depth on both sides of the ball.
What’s at Stake Heading Into the Weekend
Both teams are expected to return to the field on Friday for one final practice before the injury designations are locked in. For Pittsburgh, the outcome of Saturday’s Ravens game could have a ripple effect. If Baltimore clinches the division, the Steelers might opt to rest some of their more banged-up players rather than risk aggravating injuries ahead of the playoffs.
Cleveland, meanwhile, doesn’t have that luxury. Every snap matters, and the Browns are still in the thick of the wild-card hunt. With so many players listed as limited, Friday’s practice will be a telling one-especially for names like Njoku, Ward, and the offensive line trio.
This is the time of year when depth, resilience, and a little bit of luck all come into play. The Browns and Steelers are both walking that tightrope right now, and Week 17 could be a defining chapter in how their seasons finish.