A relatively healthy Steelers team will take on the Cleveland Browns today at FirstEnergy Stadium, and the team's inactives are a reflection of that.
Tight end Vance McDonald is the only starter on the inactive list. McDonald, still battling a foot injury that sidelined him during training camp and the preseason, was limited in practice on Wednesday, sat out completely on Thursday and Friday, and is inactive today.
Also inactive today are: Mason Rudolph, Coty Sensabaugh, Marcus Allen, Matt Feiler, Zach Banner and L.T. Walton.
James Conner will get the start at running back with Le'Veon Bell still not signing his franchise tender. Conner, who played in 14 games last year with 32 carries for 144 yards before suffering a knee injury, had a strong training camp and preseason and is ready to go.
"I am super comfortable," said Conner. "This week of prep and I will be ready to."
Conner's teammates are confident in the young running back and know he can get the job done.
"I think James has done a great job of it so far," said Ben Roethlisberger. "I think he gets to his spot really quick, which is awesome for a quarterback. A guy who gets to his spot, checks his protections, gets to his spot and then you know he is there and ready to get the ball.
"He has worked a lot on his hands. He is catching the ball really well right now. I am excited for James, probably as much as he is for himself to get out there."
Joshua Dobbs, who was inactive for 15 games last season and didn't play in the finale against the Browns despite being active, goes into the game as the team's No. 2 quarterback after winning the job in the preseason due to his consistent play. Dobbs said this week that the key for him is to just continue to grow and improve.
"I can consistently get better," said Dobbs. "Coming in every day, growing, not making the same mistake twice. Being here ready to learn. When your number is called taking advantage of the opportunity that you are given. You have to play well when you get your opportunity. You never know when it will be. You have to be ready. I showed that through my play and will continue to do it through my prep.
"I always try to prepare like I am ready to go. Everyone says congrats which is cool, but my work isn't done. I have to continue to improve every day."
Here are the players who will be inactive when the Steelers take on the Browns.
Steelers Inactives:
No. 2 QB Mason Rudolph
No. 24 CB Coty Sensabaugh
No. 27 S Marcus Allen
No. 71 OT Matt Feiler
No. 72 OT Zach Banner
No. 89 TE Vance McDonald
No. 96 DE L.T. Walton
Browns Inactives
No. 9 QB Drew Stanton
No. 18 WR Damion Ratley
No. 28 DB E.J. Gaines
No. 53 LB Joe Schobert
No. 63 OL Austin Corbett
No. 91 DL Ifeadi Odenigbo
No. 97 DL Anthony Zettel
