Steelers WR George Pickens limited in practice; RB Anthony McFarland out vs. Browns

Diontae Johnson already had been ruled out from playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night because of a hamstring injury.

On Saturday, fellow wide receiver George Pickens was limited in practice with a hamstring injury of his own, but he is expected to play against the Cleveland Browns.

Johnson and running back Anthony McFarland (knee) are the only players listed as out for the Steelers on the final injury report of the week. Johnson and McFarland were the two players who did not practice at all during the week.

McFarland averaged 30.3 yards on three kickoff returns and saw five snaps on offense as the No. 3 running back, a role that could fall to H-back Connor Heyward.

No other players have an injury designation heading into the game. That includes right tackle Chuks Okorafor, who was limited in practice Thursday and Friday because of concussion symptoms.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth (chest), defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (foot) and right guard James Daniels (ankle) also were full practice participants Saturday.

Left guard Isaac Seumalo also practiced after being given off Friday.

For Cleveland, wide receiver Amari Cooper is questionable with a hamstring injury that was aggravated in practice Saturday, coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters. Also questionable to play for the Browns are safety Juan Thornhill (calf) and defensive tackle Siaki Ika (foot).

Gunning to play

With McFarland ruled out, Gunner Olszewski will be asked to step up as a kickoff returner. The depth chart lists him as the backup there and as punt returner behind Calvin Austin.

Olszewski returned three kickoffs last season when Steven Sims primarily handled those duties. He was inactive for the opener against San Francisco.

“I’m just going to show up ready to play,” Olszewski said when asked about being the primary kick returner Monday.

Olszewski also will be tasked with helping replace Johnson at wide receiver. He caught five passes last season, his first with the Steelers.

“Diontae brings a lot to the table. Everyone knows that,” Olszewski said. “We have to come together and make some plays.”

A fine mess

A long snapper would seem like the least likely player to incur a fine, but Christian Kuntz is lighter $5,222 in the wallet for the facemask penalty he received Sunday.

Kuntz was fined for yanking the helmet off Ray-Ray McCloud during a punt return in the second quarter. Kuntz was one of two Steelers players fined as a result of their actions in the game. Safety Keanu Neal was docked $8,556 for unnecessary roughness, although a penalty was never called against him in the game.

Replacing Cam

The Steelers spent four days of practice this week working in players along the defensive line to take Cameron Heyward’s spot.

Heyward was placed on injured reserve and had surgery to repair a groin issue.

Inside linebacker Elandon Roberts is confident in who will line up in front of him in the 3-4 scheme.

“That’s why it’s called team football,” he said. “Cam was a huge piece, and we can’t wait until he gets back. In the meantime, we’ve got to do what we’re doing, and that’s all together. When Cam was here, he knew he was a big focal point in the defense, but at the same time he would tell you it’s going to take all 11.”