The Steelers will be without David DeCastro and Diontae Johnson when they take on the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field today after both were ruled out of the game on Friday and are on the inactive list today. Both were injured last week against the Philadelphia Eagles.
This will be the third game DeCastro will miss this season, so look for Kevin Dotson to step in at guard once again, someone his teammates feel can get the job done.
"He showed that," said running back James Conner. "I believe in him. They believe in him. It doesn't matter, he has to get the job done."
Johnson took a hit to the back last week in the Eagles game, and with him ruled out, the team elevated Deon Cain from the practice squad. In addition, the emergence of rookie Chase Claypool helps the receiving game. Last week against the Eagles Claypool had seven receptions for 110 yards, three of those seven catches were touchdowns, and also rushed for a two-yard score. Claypool was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the game where he became the first rookie in team history to score four touchdowns in a game, and only the third player in team history to do so, the last one when Roy Jefferson caught four touchdown passes against Atlanta on Nov. 3, 1968, while also becoming only the third player in team history to score 24 points in a game.
In addition to DeCastro and Johnson, quarterback Joshua Dobbs, tight end Zach Gentry, linebacker Ulysees Gilbert, defensive tackle Carlos Davis are inactive.
On the Browns side, despite missing time in practice this week, quarterback Baker Mayfield and receivers Odell Beckham, Jr. and Jarvis Landry are all active today.
The full list of inactives are below.
Steelers Inactives
No. 5 QB Josh Dobbs
No. 18 WR Diontae Johnson
No. 54 LB Ulysees Gilbert III
No. 66 G David DeCastro
No. 73 DT Carlos Davis
No. 81 TE Zach Gentry
Browns Inactives
No. 33 S Ronnie Harrison
No. 42 S Karl Joseph
No. 50 LB Jacob Phillips
No. 77 G Wyatt Teller
No. 91 DE Joe Jackson
No. 96 DE Vincent Taylor
