Coach Mike Tomlin would have preferred to talk more about the Cleveland Browns yesterday than wide receiver DK Metcalfe’s league suspension for an altercation with a fan last Sunday in Detroit. He managed to spend plenty of time on both topics, though. The Steelers play the Browns on Sunday afternoon and Tomlin admitted that some players might sit out if the Ravens lose their game in Green Bay on Saturday night. That would clinch the AFC North title for the Steelers, taking a lot of drama out of Sunday’s outcome.
Nonetheless, Tomlin is concerned with the Browns, who have the second-ranked defense in the NFL. He says that defense will be especially tough playing at home, and the Steelers know it.
Tomlin says the Browns have a sure NFL Defensive Player of the Year in Myles Garrett, who can set the all-time single-season sacks record on Sunday, and they may have the Defensive Rookie of the Year in linebacker Carson Schwesinger. The coach says Garrett is a defensive force.
DK Metcalfe’s two-game suspension was upheld by the NFL yesterday. Tomlin could say little about the incident because there could be legal action in the case. He says he can’t focus on who won’t play on Sunday.
Tomlin feels the bad behavior of spectators isn’t just an NFL problem.
The Steelers’ injury list is lengthy. Tomlin said he is hopeful that TJ Watt can return to practice this week, but he didn’t want to talk about Watt’s medical condition. He said he’s “optimistic” that linebacker Nick Herbig can play Sunday. Cornerback James Pierre worked out yesterday after missing the last two games with a calf injury. There were no updates on injured Steelers Calvin Austin III, Isaac Seumalo, and Brandin Echols.
PRO BOWL
The Steelers have three players named to this season’s Pro Bowl roster. Surprisingly, Cam Heyward is not one of them. Edge rusher TJ Watt, cornerback Jaylen Ramsey, and special teamer Ben Skowronek were selected for the team yesterday.
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