The Pittsburgh Steelers (9–6) head to Huntington Bank Field on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025 (1:00 PM ET, CBS) to face the Cleveland Browns (3–12) in a AFC North rematch. Pittsburgh is jockeying for playoff positioning and an opportunity to clinch the division, while Cleveland fights for pride and draft positioning in the season’s penultimate game. This preview breaks down key storylines, the latest injury and practice reports, and how health could tip the scales in this divisional tilt.
Game Preview & Key Storylines
Division Familiarity: This marks the second meeting of 2025 between the rivals. In Week 6, Pittsburgh won 23–9 behind a balanced offensive attack and stout defense. The Browns hope for revenge at home.
Steelers’ Playoff Push: Pittsburgh enters Week 17 with a shot at the AFC North crown. A win - or a favorable Ravens loss - secures their postseason berth.
Browns Outlook: With a rebuilding year and 3-12 record, Cleveland has little left to play for besides momentum into 2026, making this a developmental stage for young contributors.
Quarterback Matchup: Steelers signal-caller Aaron Rodgers aims to stay sharp and efficient against a Brown’s defense that applies pressure with its front four.
Steelers Injury & Practice Report (Week 17)
OUT
T.J. Watt – Lung injury - The star pass rusher will miss the matchup after undergoing surgery for a partially collapsed lung earlier this month.
Calvin Austin III – Hamstring - Wide receiver is confirmed out for Sunday’s game.
Brandin Echols – Groin - Cornerback not playing this week.
James Pierre – Calf - Starting corner also ruled out.
QUESTIONABLE
Jalen Ramsey – Illness - Missed practice and listed as questionable.
Isaac Seumalo – Triceps - Limited in practice, remains questionable for Sunday.
In addition, the Steelers will be missing WR DK Metcalf who is suspended for two games.
Browns Injury & Practice Report (Week 17)
OUT
David Njoku – Knee - Tight end is officially ruled out after missing practice.
Winston Reid – Back - Linebacker ruled out for the matchup.
QUESTIONABLE
Harold Fannin Jr. – Groin - Rookie TE dealing with a groin issue, status uncertain.
Dillon Gabriel – Left shoulder (QB) - Listed as questionable; Bailey Zappe may be elevated if Gabriel can’t go.
Myles Harden – Shoulder - Defensive back/linebacker questionable.
Sam Kamara – Elbow - Limited participation and questionable.
Dylan Sampson – Hand - Running back listed as questionable.
Wyatt Teller – Calf - Offensive lineman questionable.
Others on Browns practice reports this week were limited but not yet confirmed out, including CB Tyson Campbell, S Rayshawn Jenkins, DT Mason Graham, CB Denzel Ward, and OL Teven Jenkins.
Season-Ending Loss:
Quinshon Judkins (RB) underwent surgery for a fractured fibula/ankle and will miss the remainder of the season.
Injury Impact: How Health Could Decide Week 17
Steelers: Can Pittsburgh Stay Healthy Enough to Win?
Steelers Depth Tested:
The Steelers’ long injury list illustrates the wear of a long season. Losing cornerbacks like Echols and Pierre - and potentially Ramsey - could expose Pittsburgh’s secondary vs. Cleveland’s emerging pass-catchers.
Rodgers & Offensive Health:
Rodgers being a full participant is a stabilizing factor for Pittsburgh’s offense, making his chemistry with running backs and receivers critical in overcoming defensive injuries.
Browns: Young Roster Grit vs. Injury Drag
Sanders Leading the Way:
Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders is expected to start. How effectively he handles a Pittsburgh pass rush with a depleted O-Line will determine Cleveland’s offensive success.
Offensive Line & Skill Losses:
Limited participation from key d-linemen and the absence of Judkins weakens Cleveland’s offensive balance and defensive rotation, reducing their ability to sustain drives or stop Pittsburgh’s ground game.
Final Thoughts & What to Watch
Browns underdogs with a patchwork lineup, but they’ll compete hard in this AFC North rivalry.
Steelers health matters most: If Rodgers has time and Watt plays, Pittsburgh’s path to the playoffs is clearer.
Draft positioning vs. playoff stakes: Cleveland’s motivation is less about current wins and more about evaluating youth and setting the tone for 2026.
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