Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski released his team’s injury report for their Thursday Night Football matchup against the Steelers.
In the process, he ruled out defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) and Chase Winovich (hamstring) as well as tight end Jesse James (biceps) for the AFC North showdown in Cleveland.
Clowney suffered the injury in the third quarter of the Browns’ 31-30 loss to the New York Jets Sunday. He was initially questionable to return but was ruled out for the rest of the game in the fourth quarter. Clowney left the stadium Sunday afternoon in a walking boot.
Clowney had strip-sack on Joe Flacco in the first half and recovered the loose ball. He also had a half-sack in the season opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Mike Tomlin mentioned during his press conference on Monday that the Steelers have to be prepared to handle the Browns’ pass rushers. “It goes beyond just wishing Chuks (Okorafor) and Dan (Moore) good luck,” Tomlin said.
Moore will be matched up with All-Pro Myles Garrett, while Okorafor will go up against rookie Alex Wright.
Wright, who stands at 6-foot-7, 270 pounds, was a third-round pick out of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Seventh-round pick Isaiah Thomas could also see playing time at defensive end for the Browns in wake of these injuries.
It’s not exactly clear when the two Pittsburgh-area natives –– Winovich and James –– were hurt in Sunday’s game. Winovich was sidelined for most of the preseason with a hamstring injury, so it appears to be a nagging issue.