Three more Pittsburgh Steelers players were downgraded to out Saturday and will not make the trip to Cleveland for the regular-season finale Sunday against the Browns.
Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, outside linebacker T.J. Watt and center Maurkice Pouncey will not play against the Browns, joining quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, kicker Chris Boswell and safety Terrell Edmunds on the inactive list.
The Steelers (12-3) have clinched no lower than the No. 3 seed in the AFC heading into the playoffs.
The Browns (10-5) can clinch their first playoff berth since 2002 with a victory against the Steelers.
By not having those six players make the trip, the Steelers can lessen their exposure to covid-19. Cornerback Joe Haden, tight end Eric Ebron and outside linebacker Cassius Marsh were placed on the reserve/covid-19 list Saturday. They won’t play against the Browns and also could be inactive for the Steelers’ playoff opener the weekend of Jan. 9-10.
The Steelers promoted four players from the practice squad Saturday: wide receiver Deon Cain, tackle Anthony Coyle, tight end Kevin Raider and kicker Matthew Wright.
