Cleveland would earn a postseason berth with a win.
CLEVELAND — It’s officially now or never.
The Browns can earn their first playoff berth since 2002 with a win on Sunday (although there are other possible scenarios). The only thing standing in their way will be a familiar opponent: the archrival Pittsburgh Steelers.
Cleveland is a heavy favorite, and could also clinch their best record since 1994 (11-5) with a victory. However, the team has had a trying week, shutting down their practice facility multiple times and deactivating several players due to COVID-19 concerns.
The Steelers hammered the Browns 38-7 during their Week 6 meeting, but this is not the same group that took the gridiron that day at Heinz Field. Having already won the AFC North title, Pittsburgh will be holding multiple star players out to avoid possible injury, and has also lost three of four coming in.
Although the Browns don’t technically have to win to make the postseason, a loss would make things very, very difficult and force them to rely on other teams. Should they fall short against the Steelers, they would have to root for either an Indianapolis Colts loss to the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars or a trio of wins by the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Houston Texans.
What follows is a drive-by-drive live blog of this afternoon’s action, with the latest plays and updates closest to the top. Stay tuned for analysis all day long on 3News and WKYC.com.
PREGAME
After being forced to sit several key players last Sunday due to health and safety protocols, the Browns got a lot of help this week when the entire receiving core (including five-time Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry) tested negative for the coronavirus. Offensive linemen Wyatt Teller and Jedrick Wills Jr. also return, along with safeties Ronnie Harrison and Karl Joseph.
But Cleveland had more positive tests this week and is also dealing with a few injuries. The following notable players will be out today:
- CB Denzel Ward (reserve/COVID-19)
- LB B.J. Goodson (reserve/COVID-19)
- S Andrew Sendejo (reserve/COVID-19)
- TE Harrison Bryant (reserve/COVID-19)
- LB Malcolm Smith (reserve/COVID-19)
- CB Kevin Johnson (reserve/COVID-19)
- OL Nick Harris (knee)
- OL Kendall Lamm (illness)
Meanwhile, the Steelers will be keeping multiple starters on the sidelines, but mostly to avoid injury with the postseason starting next week. They include:
- QB Ben Roethlisberger
- LB T.J. Watt
- DE Cameron Heyward
- C Maurkice Pouncey
- G David DeCastro
In addition, kicker Chris Boswell and safety Terrell Edmunds are out with injuries, and cornerback and former Browns Pro Bowler Joe Haden will not play after reportedly testing positive for COVID-19. Tight end Eric Ebron was also identified as a “close contact” of Haden and will therefore be unavailable.