Pittsburgh Steelers: Injuries Will Make Facing Chiefs on Christmas Even Greater Challenge
Tied with Baltimore for the division lead, the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5) are dealing with numerous injuries heading into their Christmas home game against the Kansas City Chiefs (14-1).
Head Coach Mike Tomlin did not sound optimistic that starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (knee) or wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip) would play against the Chiefs. Both were injured during Saturday's 34-17 loss in Baltimore.
"Their availability remains questionable," Tomlin said during his Sunday press conference. "Anybody that didn't make it out of the stadium on a four-day turnover is probably going to have difficulty showing for this one."
The Steelers issued a lengthy estimated injury report following their walkthrough on Sunday. Against Baltimore, the Steelers were without five key players who remained on Sunday's injury report – wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring, limited), safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring, limited), cornerback Donte Jackson (back, limited), defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin, limited), and backup quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal, did not practice).
The Steelers will try to avoid falling behind the Ravens in the AFC North race, but the Chiefs have been extremely resourceful with an 11-0 record in games decided by eight points or less.
"I don't know how dominant they need to be. I mean, they're 14-1," Tomlin said via Dale Lolley of the team’s website. "This is the ultimate parity league. Often these games come down to one score, and the good teams find a way to get out of stadiums. They're 14-1, they are two-time defending World Champs. I see them in that regard, and I'm preparing with that edge."
Cincinnati Bengals: Playoff Hopes Still Slim After Three Straight Wins
Despite their three-game winning streak, the Bengals (7-8) have just a 15% chance to make the playoffs, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index.
The Bengals need to win out to make the postseason and would still need other outcomes to fall their way. However, quarterback Joe Burrow is glad to see Cincinnati playing consistent football after falling in a 4-8 hole.
"It feels good to play in big games," Burrow said via the team’s website, following a 24-6 win over the Browns. "That's why we do what we do. That's why we work so hard. Everything that I do in the offseason is to put myself in the best position to play great at the end of the year, in these games coming up. So, it's exciting to still be in it."
The Bengals will host the Denver Broncos (9-6) on Saturday in a game with huge playoff implications for both teams. A Bengals loss would eliminate them from postseason contention.
Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett Wants to Stay, But Wants No Part of Rebuild
Myles Garrett will turn 29 years old on Dec. 29 and hears the clock ticking. Having played in just three playoff games during his career, the NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year wants to meet with Cleveland's decision-makers about their plans after the season.
The Browns (3-12) are suffering through another disappointing season, and Garrett wants clarity on Cleveland's offseason plans. Garrett said he wants to remain in Cleveland but does not want a lengthy rebuilding process.
"I'm trying to win right now," Garrett said via Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com. "And I want that to be apparent when the season is over and we have those discussions. I want them to be able to illuminate, illustrate that for me so that can be something I can see in the near future.
"I want to stay loyal to a team that showed loyalty to me and faith in me by drafting me. But we have to do, at the end of the day, what's best for us."
Garrett said the Browns' quarterback situation is also part of his concern. Deshaun Watson has struggled with injuries and performance after the Browns traded three first-round picks and gave him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract before the 2022 season. Watson suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in Week 7. Jameis Winston has been benched after replacing Watson as the starter, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson struggled in Week 16.
"Whether (Thompson-Robinson) is the solution or someone else is, it's got to be drawn out," Garrett said. "There's got to be a plan of action."
