Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin rested key starters on Sunday at Cleveland but still lost to the Browns by only two points, 24-22, in the regular season finale.
The Steelers, who had clinched the AFC North and at least the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoffs, sat quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, center Maurkice Pouncey, linebacker T.J. Watt and defensive tackle Cameron Hayward. The Steelers were also without kicker Chris Boswell (groin) and safety Terrell Edmunds (shoulder) , not to mention missing cornerback Joe Haden, tight end Eric Ebron or linebacker Cassius Marsh due to COVID-19 concerns. But the game was still up for grabs into the final minute.
The Steelers trailed by as many as 15 points, 24-9, late in the third quarter. Reserve quarterback Mason Rudolph broke the Steelers back with two touchdown drives in the fourth quarterback, but Pittsburgh came up short on a two-point conversion pass on the second touchdown with 1:26 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Rudolph completed 22 of 39 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns. No. 3 quarterback Joshua Dobbs also took several snaps. Rookie wide receiver Chase Claypool led the Steelers with five catches for 101 receiving yards. But the Steelers running game continued to struggle with just 85 yards.
The Browns secured their first playoff berth since 2002 and will play the Steelers again next Sunday in the wild card round, this time in Pittsburgh at 8:15 p.m.
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