Steelers escape finale with no significant injuries, per Mike Tomlin

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost Sunday’s game, but they were winners in what was arguably the most important regard: with the playoffs a week away, no players emerged from this regular-season finale with injuries, per coach Mike Tomlin.

“Bumps and bruises associated with play, nothing of any significance to speak of from a health standpoint,” Tomlin said during a video conference with media following Cleveland’s 24-22 win. “I am sure I will have an update (during his weekly news conference) on Tuesday.”

The Steelers left quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, center Maurkice Pouncey, defensive lineman Cameron Heyward and NFL defensive player of the year candidate T.J. Watt at home in an effort to shield them from injury and fatigue in advance of a rematch between the teams in the wild-card round of the playoffs next week at Heinz Field.

Starting safety Terrell Edmunds (shoulder) and kicker Chris Boswell (groin) also did not play because of injury. Tight end Eric Ebron, cornerback Joe Haden and reserve linebacker Cassius Marsh also missed the game because they were placed on the reserve/covid-19 list.

Haden is the only one of the three known to have tested positive for coronavirus, meaning he also would miss the postseason opener. Tomlin would not say if any other players might also be out.

“We will see,” he said. “You know how the covid protocol is. We will adhere to it.”

Linebackers Vince Williams and Marcus Allen and receiver Chase Claypool each left Sunday’s game because of injury. Claypool and Allen came back into the game.

Several times this season, a player Tomlin did not mention during postgame remarks as having an injury ended up missing practice and/or game time the ensuring week because of injury.

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