Chase Claypool, Antoine Brooks to Sit, Zach Banner to Make 2021 Preseason Debut

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers are pretty lucky. As Pittsburgh heads into their matchup against Detroit, they will be in a place of relative health. With no key players out for an extended period of time and the Steelers finally rounding into shape, they are one of the healthiest teams in the NFL. That is in clear bloom as the Steelers return a bevy of starters.

Ray-Ray McCloud (right knee), James Washington (right knee), and Kalen Ballage (lower leg) will all return to the field after missing the Steelers’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Zach Banner (Torn ACL) will be suiting up at right tackle and making his preseason debut as he takes the final step in his rehab. Minkah Fitzpatrick, who did not play a snap against the Eagles, will play against the Lions.

Veterans Chris Boswell, Joe Haden, Ben Roethlisberger, and Cam Heyward will all make their preseason debuts after not playing in the Steelers’ first two contests. It remains to be seen how long they will play. Roethlisberger will be relieved by Mason Rudolph after his day is done.

T.J. Watt and Stephon Tuitt will miss Saturday’s game as they continue to work back slowly. They have yet to play a preseason game. Watt is still waiting for the contract talks to finish.

Chase Claypool (ankle) warmed up, but will not be suiting up. Antoine Brooks Jr. (left hamstring) will miss his second straight game after suffering the injury against the Dallas Cowboys in Canton. Benny Snell (undisclosed) will miss his third straight game. Washington and Arthur Maulet will get more snaps in their absence.

Kickoff between the Steelers and Lions is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Watch: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger on Playing in Front of Fans at Heinz Field, Not Knowing How Many More Chances He’ll Get