CLEVELAND — The Browns will enter battle against the Steelers without a few key members of their defense. Star cornerback Denzel Ward will miss the game with a hamstring injury suffered in last week’s victory over the Denver Broncos. Their main rotational edge rusher, Takk McKinley will miss the game with a groin injury.
Also among the key inactives is Cleveland’s speedy and standout second-year receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. He will miss the game with a groin injury. Rounding out the inactives is cornerback A.J. Green (Groin), safety Richard LeCounte (Discipline), Tommy Togiai, and guard Hjalte Froholdt.
The Browns are a banged-up team, but they will get a few key contributors back. Baker Mayfield (shoulder) missed the Thursday Night Football game against Denver, but will play on Sunday after dislocating his shoulder against Arizona. Nick Chubb (calf) will return after a two-game absence. The Browns will still be without Kareem Hunt (calf), who is on injured reserve.
Also up offensively are key wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. (Shoulder) and Jarvis Landry (Knee). More importantly, the Browns will be healthy on the offensive line. Jedrick WIlls (ankle), Jack Conklin (Knee), and JC Tretter (Knee) all will suit up along the offensive line for the Browns.
Defensively, Jadeveon Clowney (Ankle, Groin, Knee) will play, but is banged up. Without McKinley out, Joe Jackson and Ifeadi Odenigbo will fill the void left by him. Defensive Tackle Malik Jackson (Ankle) will suit up as well for the Browns.