While the Cleveland Browns are facing some wear on the roster due to COVID-19 problems, Sunday’s opponent at FirstEnergy Stadium is voluntarily cutting the roster.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Steelers will not have three perennial Pro Bowlers in their lineup in Week 17. TJ Watt, Edge Ranger, defensive back Cameron Heyward and center Maurkice Pouncey will join local defender Ben Roethlisberger instead of playing against the Browns. All four are healthy enough to play, but they will stay.
The absence of Watt, the NFL’s first defensive player of the year, is a massive advantage for Browns’ offense. Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield received several questions about Watt during this week’s press conferences, and his reverence and respect for All-Pro appeared in his answers.
Cleveland must win the game to get a berth in the postseason. Pittsburgh has already blocked the AFC North crown and cannot win a bye in the wild-card round.