The Browns have already ruled starting left guard Joel Bitonio out of Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh due to an ankle injury, and it looks like starting defensive backs Joe Haden and Donte Whitner will miss another game due to concussions. Both remain in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
The team’s official injury and participation report Wednesday listed quarterback Josh McCown (ribs) and safeties Jordan Poyer (shoulder) and Ibraheim Campbell (hamstring) as limited. Campbell, a rookie, started in place of Whitner last week.
First-round rookie Cam Erving will make his first career start at left guard in place of Bitonio.
The McCown or Johnny Manziel decision, which has become a weekly occurence, probably won’t be made by Browns coach Mike Pettine until Friday. McCown told reporters he’s still sore but optimistic he’ll be able to play Sunday.
Being down defensive backs against the talented Steelers’ receiving corps is obviously not a good thing, though the Steelers are expected to have to play Landry Jones at quarterback. Ben Roethlisberger did not practice Wednesday and should miss at least one game due to a foot injury.
The Steelers also practiced without running back DeAngelo Williams, as expected. Williams has a foot issue and though he’s expected back at practice Thursday, Jordan Todman is next in line if he’s limited Sunday.