Browns O-Line May Be Short-Handed Against Steelers in Week 8

AFC North football is often defined by which team dominates in the trenches. The Cleveland Browns may have to attempt to win that battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend without one of its starting members. 

After missing all three days of practice this week, veteran right tackle Tytus Howard enters the weekend with a questionable designation as he continues working his way through the concussion protocol. 

Head coach Todd Monken made it clear in his post-practice press conference on Friday that, despite the fact that Howard hadn't practiced this week, there was still a world where he could clear the protocol on Saturday and then suit up on Sunday.

Howard suffered the concussion in the third quarter of last week's win over the Tennessee Titans and exited the game. 2023 fourth-round pick Dawand Jones took over in his absence and is expected to start in his place against the Steelers if Howard can't go. It's a pivotal role along a Browns o-line that seemed to find its stride in Week 7, powering its way to a season-high 183 yards rushing. 

While Howard's status is the most notable, two defenders, S Daniel Thomas and CB Daniel Thomas, join Howard with a questionable status in Pittsburgh this weekend. Thomas was limited throughout the week of practice due to an ankle injury. For Harden it's been a hamstring injury that has kept him limited throughout the week. 

If Harden in particular can't play, defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg will have to fill the nickle CB spot, which could be done with Cleveland utilizing more three-safety looks. 

The Friday injury report brought some good news for the Browns, as well. Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. is due back after missing the last three games due to an ankle injury. Hall first suffered the injury in the first matchup with Pittsburgh on Thursday Night Football back in Week 4. 

Hall actually exited the game that night, but eventually returned and came up with a critical sack on Aaron Rodgers in the second half. Afterwards he was seen in a walking boot, but seemed optimistic he'd be able to play the following week. Instead, the injury ended up being serious enough that it kept him sidelined for three straight weeks

He returns for the pivotal rematch with the Browns biggest rival where first place in the AFC North is on the line. Cleveland can also complete a season sweep of Pittsburgh for the first time since 1988 with a win.