The 5-4 Pittsburgh Steelers will host the 2-7 Cleveland Browns Sunday at Heinz Field and here are the six biggest storylines currently surrounding the Week 10 game.
To Ben or not to Ben – While he’s still unlikely to play Sunday against the Browns after suffering a sprained left foot last week, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was able to practice on a limited basis twice since suffering the injury. Being as he’s listed as questionable, Roethlisberger should be able to play against the Seattle Seahawks following the team’s bye week if he doesn’t play against the Browns on Sunday. If Roethlisberger doesn’t suit up Sunday, backup Landry Jones will make his second career start.
Feetball – Not only is Roethlisberger dealing with a foot injury, so too is running back DeAngelo Williams as the veteran sat out Wednesday’s practice because of inflammation in one of his feet. While Williams is expected to start and play Sunday against the Browns, the Steelers would be wise to not make him carry the football another 27 times this week.
Brown M&M’s – The Browns still aren’t ready to say who their quarterback will be on Sunday against the Steelers as they believe it will give them some sort of competitive advantage. At the beginning of the week, Josh McCown didn’t practice due to a lingering rib injury but he has since been limited in every practice this week. McCown ended the week listed as questionable and many believe that Johnnny Manziel will start Sunday in his place.
Concussionbacks – Sunday at Heinz Field, the Browns will be without two starters in their defensive backfield as cornerback Joe Haden and safety Donte Whitner will both miss the game due to concussions. These two players also sat out the Browns Week 9 game with their injuries so that lets you know just how serious their concussions are. Pierre Desir and Ibraheim Campbell are expected to start Sunday against the Steelers and that could have second-year wide receivers Martavis Bryant licking his lips.
Deebo a no go – Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison will miss his first game of the season Sunday because of a knee injury. With Harrison out this week, Arthur Moats, Jarvis Jones and Bud Dupree will have to absorb his snaps on the right side. Additionally, Harrison is the only outside linebacker on the Steelers roster who has had limited success in the past against Browns left tackle Joe Thomas. If Thomas gives up a sack to a Steelers outside linebacker on Sunday, it will be a minor miracle.
Hey rookie – With left guard Joel Bitonio sitting out Sundays game against the Steelers due to an ankle injury that he suffered in Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals, rookie Cameron Erving will be forced to make his first career start. While it’s a small sample size, Erving hasn’t played overly well in his 34 snaps played so far this season.
