Josh Dobbs among Inactive Players for Steelers vs. Browns

PITTSBURGH — It appears that Mike Tomlin’s usage of Josh Dobbs as a package quarterback in the Steelers’ Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns was a bit of gamesmanship, as Dobbs is not dressed for the playoff rematch between the teams in Pittsburgh on Sunday night.

Mason Rudolph is the only backup to Ben Roethlisberger on the depth chart. Rudolph started the Week 17 game in Cleveland, while Dobbs worked a package of plays that utilized his mobility.

Instead, the Steelers will go with the same two quarterbacks that have dressed in every other game this season.

The other healthy inactives for the Steelers are safety Antoine Brooks Jr., defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs outside linebacker Jayrone Elliott, guard Danny Isidora and running back Anthony McFarland Jr.

Tight end Kevin Rader, who was a gameday activation from then practice squad, is dressed.

Cornerback Joe Haden is the lone Steelers regular that will miss the game. Haden remains on the COVID-19 reserve list after testing positive late last week.

For the Browns, cornerback Brian Allen, wide receiver Ja’Marcus Bradley, wide receiver Marvin Hall, defensive end Joe Jackson, safety Jovante Moffatt, tackle Alex Taylor and safety Tedric Thompson are inactive.

All seven Browns that were listed as questionable for the game — right tackle Jack Conklin (knee and illness), defensive end Myles Garrett (shoulder), cornerback Terrance Mitchell (testing protocol), wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (concussion), defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (neck), cornerback M.J. Stewart (calf) and right guard Wyatt Teller (ankle) are active.

Left guard Joel Bitonio, wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, cornerback Kevin Johnson and cornerback Denzel Ward remain on the Browns’ COVID-19 reserve list and will not play.

Garrett is once again the Browns’ gameday captain.