Joe

Haeg

Cut by the Steelers after they traded for Jesse Davis, Haeg stays in the AFC North. The Browns are in need of depth after coach Kevin Stefanski couldn’t promise that Jack Conklin (torn patella recovery) would be ready for Week 1. This likely means that Conklin can’t be counted on for Week 1, though he may not be too far away as the Browns haven’t placed him on IR or PUP yet.

Other notable cuts from Pittsburgh include offensive linemen Joe Haeg and Chaz Green. The Steelers re-signed Allen on an original-round tender worth $2.4 million this offseason. Allen entered the league as a safety but has since converted to playing mostly at linebacker when on defense. Normally, Allen gets the bulk of his snaps on special teams. He could join the Steelers’ practice squad once rosters are settled.

Haeg has been a backup for the last few seasons and should be viewed as nothing more than a quality swing tackle in Pittsburgh. In Tampa Bay, Haeg often lined up as a sixth offensive lineman in special packages. He is a former fifth-round pick. The Steelers should still be in the market for a first-round offensive tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Indianapolis couldn’t offer Haeg a starting gig, thus he’s out the door. The 2016 fifth-rounder appeared in all 16 games for the Colts last year, playing behind Braden Smith and Mark Glowinski when all were healthy. He has a terrific shot at taking over for free agent RT Demar Dotson as early as Tampa Bay’s season opener.

Nelson is officially listed as questionable after practicing on a limited basis Thursday and getting in a full session on Friday. He remains in the league’s protocol, though Reich didn’t sound ready to rule his sophomore stud out for Week 17. Joe Haeg would fill in if Nelson can’t go in Sunday’s finale at Jacksonville.

Haeg missed the last seven games on IR with a high-ankle sprain. His return is more good news for an offensive line that’s exceeded expectations, though Haeg may not be ready to return this week. With RT Braden Smith playing at a high level, Haeg could get a look on the interior.

The hope is that Haeg is able to return in November once his high-ankle sprain heals. Starting LT Anthony Castonzo (hamstring) is still considered ‘week to week’, too. Indy’s offensive line has been an absolute mess this season as Haeg was actually the replacement for RT J’Marcus Webb, who was already lost for the year. J.J. Watt and Co. could have a field day rushing Andrew Luck in Week 4.

This isn’t a good sign for Marlon Mack’s health status. McNichols will absorb the roster spot vacated by OT Joe Haeg, who is headed to injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain. The 2017 fifth-rounder has never received an NFL carry, though he did see action on special teams last year in San Francisco.

Colts will be without starting LT Anthony Castonzo (hamstring) Sunday, too. Both are considered ‘week to week’, though the Colts have said the latter isn’t a candidate for injured reserve. It’s unfortunate timing for Andrew Luck and Indianapolis’ trenches, which will be tasked in blocking J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, and Whitney Mercilus in Week 4. Marlon Mack (hamstring) is questionable, though he looks likely to play.

As J’Marcus Webb was already lost for the season, this puts the Colts down to their third-string right tackle. It sounds like Haeg is dealing with a high ankle sprain. J.J. Watt should be licking his chops for Sunday’s game.