Steelers Scratch Banner, Haskins, B. Johnson, Witherspoon vs. Browns

CLEVELAND — The Pittsburgh Steelers have scratched tackle Zach Banner, quarterback Dwayne Haskins, inside linebacker Buddy Johnson and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon for their game on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

Banner, who returned from the injured reserve list in Week 6, has yet to appear in a game this season, despite head coach Mike Tomlin saying on Friday that he is healthy enough to participate. 

Banner suffered a torn ACL in the 2020 season opener and appeared on track to return for the start of the 2021 season before suffering a setback in the preseason. He has been a full participant at practice in recent days, but Chukwuma Okorafor will continue to start at right tackle.

Haskins has served as the team’s third quarterback all season and has not dressed for a game. Johnson, a fifth-round rookie out of Texas A&M, has been active twice and played in one game. Witherspoon came over the Steelers on the eve of the season in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers and has played in just one game.

Tight end Eric Ebron will miss the game with a hamstring injury and outside linebacker Melvin Ingram will miss the game with a groin injury, as the team had previously announced.

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

Outside linebacker Taco Charlton, who the team made a gameday activation from the practice squad, is dressed and will serve as a depth option behind starters Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt.

Steelers Elevate DE Taco Charlton from Practice Squad