The Pittsburgh Steelers ruled out several players on their final Week 17 injury report against the Cleveland Browns, including star edge rusher T.J. Watt, but they also relayed some positive news on some of their other key contributors.
Per the Steelers website, the following players were ruled out for Week 17 versus the Browns:
- T.J. Watt (lung).
- Wide receiver Calvin Austin (hamstring).
- Cornerback Brandin Echols (groin).
- Cornerback James Pierre (calf).
On the flip side, the next list of Steelers players had no injury designation for the AFC North showdown, meaning they have been cleared to suit up:
- Edge rusher Nick Herbig (hamstring).
- Running back Jaylen Warren (hip).
- Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (rest/two missed practices).
- Right tackle Troy Fautanu (personal).
- Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist).
- Wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hand).
- Long snapper Christian Kuntz (knee).
The long Week 17 injury report didn’t end there, however, as two very important veteran starters were listed as “questionable.”
Steelers’ Jalen Ramsey & Isaac Seumalo Labeled ‘Questionable’ Within Final Week 17 Injury News vs. Browns
GettyPittsburgh Steelers star defensive back Jalen Ramsey is questionable for Week 17.
Do-it-all defensive back Jalen Ramsey and starting guard Isaac Seumalo were both classified as “questionable” on December 26.
Ramsey has missed two straight practices with an “illness,” while Seumalo has logged three straight “limited” practices with a triceps injury.
Considering the Steelers have already ruled out Echols and Pierre, Ramsey’s status will be especially crucial. The star DB is one of head coach Mike Tomlin’s most important pieces on defense, and this secondary has been banged up all year, with or without him on the field.
As for Seumalo, the starting offensive lineman returned to practice this week after missing Week 16 with the same injury. His Week 17 status is no certainty at this time, but the limited practices give him a legitimate shot at retaking the field on Sunday.
Worst-case scenario, the Steelers will be short six impactful players against the Browns, but the hope is that Ramsey and Seumalo can reduce the number of absences.
Browns Rule Out 2 Ahead of Steelers Rematch
On the Cleveland side of the injury report, only two players were officially ruled out. They were starting tight end David Njoku (knee/personal) and linebacker Winston Reid (back).
Having said that, the Browns are not exactly healthy either. Although only two players were ruled out, another six Browns were listed as “questionable,” with their statuses up in the air.
Those players are tight end Harold Fannin (groin), quarterback Dillon Gabriel (left shoulder), cornerback Myles Harden (shoulder), defensive lineman Sam Kamara (elbow), running back Dylan Sampson (hand), and offensive lineman Wyatt Teller (calf).
Additionally, starting running back Quinshon Judkins was placed on the injured reserve ahead of Week 17, so Cleveland could be down to their reserve running backs if Sampson doesn’t suit up.
Needless to say, this could be a battle of attrition as the Steelers and Browns face off once again. This rivalry game doesn’t have too much impact on Cleveland. In fact, the Browns would be better off losing for the sake of their draft position.
For Pittsburgh, a win could mean clinching the division and a spot in the 2026 NFL Playoffs, so these two teams are at opposite ends of the spectrum once again.
Steelers Reveal Injury Status of Several Stars Ahead of Browns Matchup