The Pittsburgh Steelers head into a pivotal Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns with a mixed bag of injury news that could have real implications on both sides of the ball.
Let’s start with the setback: veteran guard Isaac Seumalo has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s game due to a lingering triceps injury. Seumalo had been trending in the wrong direction all week, logging three limited practices but ultimately being downgraded from questionable to out. That’s a blow to the Steelers’ interior line, especially given Seumalo’s experience and steady presence in both pass protection and the run game.
In his place, expect rookie Spencer Anderson to get the nod. Anderson has quietly put together a solid body of work in limited action this season.
According to Pro Football Focus, he’s yet to allow a sack and has surrendered just nine pressures across 303 snaps. His run-blocking grade sits at 57.5 - not elite, but serviceable for a young lineman still finding his footing.
The Steelers will need him to hold his own against a Browns defensive front that’s been disruptive all season.
On the flip side, there’s some encouraging news in the secondary. Defensive back Jalen Ramsey - who had been dealing with an illness and missed the last two practices - has been removed from the injury report and is good to go.
That’s a key boost for a Steelers defense that will need all hands on deck against a Browns offense that’s found some rhythm late in the season. Ramsey was a full participant on Wednesday before sitting out Thursday and Friday, but the team clearly feels confident in his readiness.
Both Seumalo and Ramsey were originally listed as questionable on Friday, so the final designations bring some clarity heading into Sunday.
As for the bigger picture, the stakes are still up in the air for Pittsburgh. Their playoff path hinges, at least in part, on what happens Saturday night when the Baltimore Ravens face the Green Bay Packers.
If the Ravens fall, the Steelers will clinch the AFC North before even taking the field. But if Baltimore wins, Pittsburgh will need to handle business against Cleveland to lock up the division this week.
And if both teams win? Then circle Week 18 - because it’ll be a winner-take-all showdown between two of the AFC’s most physical, bitter rivals.
Bottom line: the Steelers are entering a high-stakes weekend with a reshuffled offensive line and a healthier secondary. How that balance plays out could go a long way in determining whether they’re celebrating a division title come Sunday night - or gearing up for a dramatic finale next week.