CLEVELAND — Steelers running back Kalen Ballage suffered a rib injury during the team’s 15-10 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Head coach Mike Tomlin announced the presence of the injury in his post-game press conference. The team did not disclose the injury publicly during the game.
Ballage was used sparingly against the Browns, rushing one time for a three-yard loss. The team used Benny Snell Jr. as a fill-in for starter Najee Harris late in the game. Second-year back Anthony McFarland Jr. also made his return to the lineup. McFarland carried once for one yard. Snell caught one pass for seven yards.
Harris continues to get the bulk of the Steelers running back reps. He carried 26 times for 91 yards and a touchdown. He also caught three passes for 29 yards.
The team has been dressing three running backs for game until McFarland’s return from the injured list, so no further depth will be required if Ballage’s injury keeps him out of the team’s next game against Chicago on Monday night.