The Pittsburgh Steelers will play the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 without several key players. Linebacker T.J. Watt, who practiced in a limited capacity during the week, is inactive for the third consecutive game due to a lung issue. Other inactive players include receiver Calvin Austin III, cornerbacks Brandin Echols and James Pierre, and guard Isaac Seumalo.
With both Echols and Pierre sidelined by injuries, the team signed veteran cornerback Tre Flowers on December 25. Flowers has played eight seasons in the NFL, appearing in 86 games with 43 starts. His career totals include four interceptions, five forced fumbles, 22 passes defensed, and 270 tackles.
“It’s an opportunity to come in and help a banged-up group and try to give them all I’ve got.
“(I love) just getting to talk football, being around football. I’ll always be like this for the rest of my life. So, just cherish the moment.
“It’s the best situation you can be in. I want to help a team win, help the team get to the Super Bowl again, and that’s my goal.”
Flowers noted that his experience will help him adjust quickly to joining a new team late in the season.
“I always pride myself on trying to study,” said Flowers. “So, I always try to start fresh, and that’s exactly how I’ll attack it here.
“This defense is a little different than all the other places I’ve been, so, I guess this would be a little bit more of a challenge.
“I’m ready for it.
“I just love football, so anywhere you put me, I’ll master it with the best of my ability and try to make plays.
“I’m just trying to help anybody that wants my help, that needs help. I’m here to help. That’s how I feel. I am here to serve. So, I always do my role.”
With Austin out and DK Metcalf suspended for two games at wide receiver, more players are expected to take on larger roles this week.
“I think it’s a really good opportunity for guys to step up,” said receiver Ben Skowronek. “Obviously, missing him will be big, but it’s going to be an opportunity for us to step up and still have to win the game.
“So, whatever, however that happens, whoever steps up, we’ve just got to do it, we’ve got to win.”
Receiver Scotty Miller saw increased playing time against Detroit after Austin’s injury and described returning as meaningful after his own injury struggles this year.
“It had been a while since I had done much out there,” said Miller. “So, it definitely felt good to make some plays.”
Receiver Roman Wilson was inactive for three weeks but may see action against Cleveland.
“I’ve been working hard, so it’s nice that we came around like this,” said Wilson. “It’s cool. I’ll be ready.”
Wilson added that recent weeks gave him time for reflection on his performance and areas of improvement.
“It was a great time for me to go back and reflect on the season and learn where I can grow,” said Wilson. “Learn where I can get better. How can I improve myself and things like that.
“So, it was in a weird way a real blessing.”
The Steelers elevated offensive lineman Jack Driscoll and defensive back D’Shawn Jamison from their practice squad before Sunday’s game. Driscoll joined Pittsburgh’s practice squad on October 29 after five seasons with Philadelphia Eagles; he has appeared in 67 games with 18 starts during his career. Jamison was previously elevated earlier this season after signing as an undrafted free agent with San Francisco in 2023; he played 15 games with Carolina last year including two starts.
The full list of Steelers’ inactives includes: Will Howard (quarterback), Calvin Austin III (receiver), Kaleb Johnson (running back), Brandin Echols (cornerback), James Pierre (cornerback), Isaac Seumalo (guard), T.J. Watt (linebacker).
For Cleveland: Dillion Gabriel (quarterback), Myles Harden (defensive back), Kendrick Green (center), Jeremiah Byers (tackle), Jamari Thrash (wide receiver), David Njoku (tight end), Sam Kamara (defensive tackle).
The Steelers are recognized as one of the most successful teams in NFL history with six Super Bowl championships according to their official website. The franchise maintains its headquarters at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh where they also feature historical exhibits about their legacy for fans. The organization was established by Arthur J. Rooney Sr. in 1933 as detailed on their website.
