By Jessica Costello
SteelerNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers are on a four-game winning streak putting themselves above .500 for the first time in the 2019 season. The team is currently sitting in the sixth spot in the AFC playoff picture as they head to Cleveland to take on the Browns. After a hard-fought defensive battle against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, the team has a quick turnaround to make for Thursday's matchup.
During his weekly press conference, Mike Tomlin commented on the difficulties of progressing injuries during a short week. Realistically, the players that will be practicing on Tuesday will most likely be the same players that will play against the Browns on Thursday.
"We're excited about AFC North divisional play...we understand how important this game is for them and for us." - Coach Tomlin on TNF in Cleveland
— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) November 11, 2019
Tomlin also commented on the eligibility of running back, James Conner saying that Conner would have been a full participant during practice on Monday if the Steelers were on the field. Optimism lies in the coach that Conner and Ramon Foster will be suited up for Thursday's game. Players like running back, Benny Snell Jr. and fullback, Roosevelt Nix, are less likely to be playing against the Browns.
James Conner on his shoulder injury: “I’m making a lot of progress on it...I think I’ll be good (for Thursday), but I’m not making guarantees.”
— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) November 11, 2019
Injuries seem to have plagued the Steelers this season as more have become problematic for the team. Ryan Switzer is battling a back injury that he suffered during Sunday's game and Olasunkanmi Adeniyi is dealing with a hip injury. Another player that is questionable is Anthony Chickillo, who has issues with the cartilage in his ribs. All three of these guys were being evaluated at the time of Tomlin's press conference and are still questionable.
Coach Tomlin said he feels comfortable with the availability of James Conner and Ramon Foster for Thursday. He said the opposite for Rosie Nix and Benny Snell.
— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) November 11, 2019
Coach Tomlin said Ryan Switzer (back), Ola Adenyi (hip), and Anthony Chickillo (ribs) are all dealing with injuries from yesterday's game.
— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) November 11, 2019
The Steelers' hypothetical injury report:
The Browns just snapped their four-game losing streak against the Buffalo Bills 19-16, and seem to be favored to win during the TNF matchup. The Browns (-150) are favored by 2.5 (-121) points against the spread (ATS). The Browns enter as the slight favorite, according to odds from BetMGM.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Do these injuries pose a threat to Pittsburgh coming into Thursday's game against the Browns? Let us know what you think in the comment section below!
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