In a series of injury developments leading up to the weekend’s matchup, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that several key players will miss the game against the Cleveland Browns. Not only including players we missed out on like T.J. Watt, Isaac Seumalo, James Pierre and Brandin Echols.
Defensive back Jalen Ramsey, a crucial Los Angeles Rams player, missed practice for the second day in a row. He was sidelined by an illness. Ramsey came out of his injury scare completely healthy on Saturday, so he carries no designation. He was questionable listed just a day before on Friday. That’s a sign of progress towards a hopeful return to the field, though how well he continues through his recovery will determine his prospects.
T.J. Watt has more complications at the moment as he heals from pectoral surgery done two weeks prior. The procedure was necessitated by a partially collapsed lung that occurred during a dry needling treatment at the team’s facility. Watt’s been back at practice, fully on Wednesday, limited Thursday and Friday, respectively. His return to active play won’t be happening for at least another week.
The Steelers faced a late injury blow when guard Isaac Seumalo was downgraded to out on Saturday. He’ll miss an unknown amount of time with a triceps injury. This heart wrenching development piles onto that depression and discouragement as the team must regroup and move up North for their next game. Cornerback James Pierre is out with a calf injury. Slot corner Brandin Echols is out, ruled out with a groin injury.
These injuries will likely affect both teams’ approaches heading into the make-or-break match against their East division counterparts. Certainly, the Steelers need to adjust their game plan to make up for the loss of key players. When Watt’s defensive presence doesn’t sway the game, he should be just as big a factor.
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