As the Steelers gear up for a pivotal Week 17 AFC North clash with the Cleveland Browns, both teams hit the practice field on Christmas Eve with injury reports that read more like laundry lists. But for Pittsburgh, there’s a silver lining: T.J. Watt is back-at least in a limited capacity.
Watt returned to practice for the first time since suffering a punctured lung on December 10, and while he was limited, his presence alone is a major boost for a Steelers defense that thrives on his disruptive energy. Watt’s availability could be a game-changer in a matchup where every snap will matter, especially against a Browns team that’s still fighting for playoff positioning.
He wasn’t the only key Steeler making his way back. Running back Jaylen Warren (hip), cornerback James Pierre (calf), outside linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring), and guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps) were all limited participants. Pierre, Herbig, and Seumalo missed last week’s win over the Lions, so their potential return could help shore up depth on both sides of the ball.
But it wasn’t all good news out of Pittsburgh. Four players didn’t practice at all: wide receiver Calvin Austin III (hamstring), cornerback Brandin Echols (groin), offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (personal reasons), and veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward, who took a rest day.
On a brighter note, long snapper Christian Kuntz, who was questionable heading into last week, was a full participant-an important detail for a team that’s been leaning heavily on special teams in close games.
Cleveland, meanwhile, is dealing with its own wave of injuries, particularly on defense. The Browns had a long list of limited participants, including several starters: defensive tackle Mason Graham, cornerbacks Tyson Campbell and Denzel Ward, and linebacker Carson Schwesinger. That’s a lot of firepower potentially operating at less than 100%-something the Steelers offense will be watching closely.
Tight end David Njoku was the only Brown listed as a non-participant due to injury (knee), and his status bears monitoring. Njoku has been a reliable target in Cleveland’s offense, and his absence would be a notable loss in a game where red zone efficiency could be the difference.
Here’s a full look at both teams’ participation reports heading into this crucial divisional showdown:
Pittsburgh Steelers - Week 17 Injury Report (Wednesday, December 24)
- QB Aaron Rodgers (Left Wrist) - Full
- WR Ben Skowronek (Hand) - Full
- WR Calvin Austin III (Hamstring) - Did Not Practice
- CB Brandin Echols (Groin) - Did Not Practice
- RB Jaylen Warren (Hip) - Limited
- CB James Pierre (Calf) - Limited
- LS Christian Kuntz (Knee) - Full
- LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring) - Limited
- G Isaac Seumalo (Triceps) - Limited
- OL Troy Fautanu (Personal) - Did Not Practice
- LB T.J. Watt (Lung) - Limited
- DT Cam Heyward (Rest) - Did Not Practice
Cleveland Browns - Week 17 Injury Report (Wednesday, December 24)
- TE Brenden Bates (Ankle) - Limited
- G Joel Bitonio (Rest) - Limited
- CB Tyson Campbell (Shoulder) - Limited
- DT Mason Graham (Rib) - Limited
- DT Michael Hall (Illness) - Limited
- DB Myles Harden (Shoulder) - Limited
- S Rayshawn Jenkins (Ankle) - Limited
- G Teven Jenkins (Shoulder) - Limited
- DT Sam Kamara (Elbow) - Limited
- TE David Njoku (Knee) - Did Not Practice
- LB Winston Reid (Back) - Limited
- RB Dylan Sampson (Hand) - Limited
- QB Shedeur Sanders (Right Finger) - Full
- LB Carson Schwesinger (Ankle) - Limited
- G Wyatt Teller (Calf) - Limited
- CB Denzel Ward (Calf) - Limited
With playoff implications on the line and a division rivalry heating up, this game could come down to which team gets the most out of its banged-up roster. The Steelers will be hoping Watt can suit up and wreak havoc, while the Browns will be counting on their depth to hold the line. It’s December football in the AFC North-tough, gritty, and as unpredictable as ever.