Injuries are just as much a part of the game of football as blocking and tackling. The Pittsburgh Steelers would be wise to remind themselves of that on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns as they drag their ailing defense into Ohio to battle a backup rookie quarterback.
While the Browns are without QB Deshaun Watson, Pittsburgh’s second and third levels are battered and bruised. Their top two inside linebackers are lost for the season. They are down two top safeties in this one, with Minkah Fitzpatrick and Keanu Neal sidelined. That leaves Damontae Kazee and first-year Trenton Thompson, fresh up from the practice squad.