The 5-4 Pittsburgh Steelers will host the 2-7 Cleveland Browns this coming Sunday at Heinz Field and on Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin updated the health of the team during his weekly press conference.
According to Tomlin, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (foot) is still being evaluated and the team will continue to monitor the progress with his left foot sprain throughout the week. Tomlin said that while the door is open for Roethlisberger to play Sunday, it’s barely cracked open right now and because of that the team will prepare Landry Jones to make the start and Mike Vick to be the No. 2.
“We’ll leave the door ajar for him, but it’s just slightly ajar,” Tomlin said. “I think it’s prudent to anticipate playing without him and prepare to play with Landry Jones.”
Tight end Matt Spaeth (knee) has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game with knee inflammation, according to Tomlin. Linebackers Ryan Shazier (knee) and James Harrison are both currently dealing with some knee swelling as well and both are likely to be limited this week in practice as a result. With Spaeth out, rookie tight end Jesse James will likely dress again in his place.
Running back DeAngelo Williams (foot) isn’t likely to practice on Wednesday as he’s currently dealing with some inflammation in the middle of one of his feet. At best, he’ll be limited on Wednesday.
Tomlin said linebacker Terence Garvin (knee) will be out again this week. As expected, he also had nothing new to report on tackle Mike Adams and center Maurkice Pouncey.
Tomlin did say that defensive end Stephon Tuitt and safety Will Allen didn’t experience any setbacks with their previous injuries on Sunday.
