Despite speculation, QB Josh Dobbs among Steelers inactives for playoff opener

The Pittsburgh Steelers played coy with it all week. But in the end, they stuck with what they’ve done all regular season long.

No. 3 quarterback Josh Dobbs was among six players inactive and not in uniform for Sunday night’s wild-card playoff game against the Cleveland Browns. Dobbs had not played all season but with starter Ben Roethlisberger resting in the regular season finale last week, Dobbs not only was the No. 2 QB but also a change-of-pace option that came in to play nine snaps, throw five passes and run twice.

From coach Mike Tomlin to offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner to Roethlisberger, nobody associated with the Steelers would outright deny that putting in a special package for Dobbs was on the table for the postseason. But with Roethlisberger back and the need for depth precious, Tomlin elected not to use one of his precious 48 gameday roster spots on a third quarterback.

Although veteran cornerback Joe Haden is out because he’s on the covid list, the Steelers had no injuries among any player on their active roster. That meant the other inactives all are healthy scratches: rookie safety Antoine Brooks, rookie running back Anthony McFarland, journeyman outside linebacker Jay Elliott, journeyman offensive lineman Danny Isidora and second-year defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs.

McFarland being out means the running backs in uniform are James Conner, Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels. Buggs was scratched in favor of rookie Carlos Davis.

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