(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
The Steelers will take a two-hour bus ride up to Cleveland tomorrow for Sunday's pivotal AFC North game against the Browns. They'll be without tight end Eric Ebron (hamstring) and it appears that outside linebacker Melvin Ingram will be out as well, as he's listed as doubtful. Ingram is dealing with a groin injury.
Zach Gentry will serve as the No. 2 tight end with Ebron out. If Ingram can't go on Sunday, Derrek Tuszka will be the backup for T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Tuszka, who is a North Dakota State product, was a seventh-round pick by the Broncos in 2020.
Aditi Kinkhabwala of the NFL Network confirmed Ian Rapoport's report yesterday that Ingram wants out of Pittsburgh due to a lack of playing time. Kinkhabwala said that the Chiefs made an offer, but the Steelers ideally don't want to send him to an an AFC team.
After Friday's practice, Mike Tomlin declined to discuss whether Ingram requested a trade, but he did confirm that he's talked to him about his role.
“I’ve had some conversations with Melvin, but I’ll leave those conversations between he and I,” Tomlin said. “The reason he didn’t work today is because of his groin.”
For the Browns, Baker Mayfield will start on Sunday, despite dealing with a partially torn labrum and a fracture in his non-throwing shoulder. Earlier in the week, many in the Browns media thought Case Keenum would get the start, but Mayfield is going to give it a go though.
Mayfield will attempt to become the first Browns' quarterback to win three straight against the Steelers since Bernie Kosar (1988-1989).
Along with Mayfield returning, the Browns will also get right tackle Jack Conklin back. Running back Nick Chubb (calf) and wide receiver Jarvis Landry (knee) are also expected to return, but they were limited this week.
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (shoulder), defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney (ankle, groin, knee), Takk McKinley (groin), defensive tackle, Malik Jackson (ankle), cornerback A.J. Green and fullback Johnny Stanton (calf) are all listed as questionable.
No. 1 cornerback, Denzel Ward has been ruled out, as he's dealing with a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Donovan People-Jones (groin) and safety Richard LeCounte III (not injury related) have also been ruled out, as well.