Steelers Injury Updates: OLB Melvin Ingram Downgraded to Out vs. Browns

After a week of uncertainty about his playing status and feelings about his place on the Steelers, outside linebacker Melvin Ingram had now been officially downgraded to out for tomorrow’s game against the Cleveland Browns, the team announced on Saturday.

Ingram, who is dealing with a groin injury, did not practice on Friday after being a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

He has been the Steelers’ third option at outside linebacker all season, playing in place of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith as both battled groin injuries, and as a rotational replacement and sub package player with them healthy.

That’s an arrangement that apparently has caused some consternation for Ingram, who reportedly requested a trade from the Steelers. Head coach Mike Tomlin said Friday that he and Ingram had conversations about his role, but would keep them private.

Without Highsmith, second-year man Derrek Tuszka will become the team’s No. 3 outside linebacker, but don’t expect a big role for the North Dakota State product.

“He’s primary been a special teams guy and I don’t expect that to change this weekend,” Tomlin said.

Former first-round draft pick Taco Charlton is on the Steelers’ practice squad, and could be a candidate for a gameday elevation.