Steelers-Browns Thursday Night Showdown: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

## Week 12 Thursday Inactives: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns

### Pittsburgh Steelers

**Out:**

* **WR Diontae Johnson (Hip)**
* **WR Chase Claypool (Knee)**
* **TE Pat Freiermuth (Concussion)**
* **OLB T.J. Watt (Pectoral)**
* **CB Ahkello Witherspoon (Hamstring)**

**Questionable:**

* **QB Kenny Pickett (Concussion)**

**Doubtful:**

* **None**

### Cleveland Browns

**Out:**

* **WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (Groin)**
* **TE David Njoku (Ankle)**
* **OLB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Knee)**
* **CB Denzel Ward (Concussion)**

**Questionable:**

* **QB Deshaun Watson (Hip)**

**Doubtful:**

* **None**

### Analysis

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without several key players on Thursday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns. Star wide receiver Diontae Johnson and tight end Pat Freiermuth are both out with injuries, leaving the Steelers thin at the skill positions. Chase Claypool is also questionable with a knee injury.

On defense, the Steelers will be without their best pass rusher, T.J. Watt, who is out with a pectoral injury. Ahkello Witherspoon is also out with a hamstring injury.

The Browns will be without their top two wide receivers, Donovan Peoples-Jones and David Njoku. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Denzel Ward are also out with injuries.

Deshaun Watson is questionable with a hip injury, but he is expected to play.

### Impact on the Game

The Steelers’ offense is already struggling, and the loss of Johnson and Freiermuth will make it even more difficult to move the ball. Claypool’s status is also a concern, as he is the Steelers’ most explosive playmaker.

On defense, the Steelers will need to find a way to generate pressure on Watson without Watt. Witherspoon’s absence will also hurt the Steelers’ pass defense.

The Browns’ offense will also be impacted by the loss of Peoples-Jones and Njoku. Peoples-Jones is the Browns’ leading receiver, and Njoku is a valuable target in the red zone.

On defense, the Browns will need to find a way to contain Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickett has been playing well in recent weeks, and he is a threat to run and pass.

### Betting Odds

The Steelers are a 3-point underdog against the Browns, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 38.5 points.

### Prediction

The Browns are a slight favorite in this game, but the Steelers are a dangerous team, especially at home. The Steelers’ offense has been struggling, but they should be able to move the ball against a Browns defense that is missing several key players. The Steelers’ defense will also be able to generate pressure on Watson, which will make it difficult for the Browns to score.

**Prediction: Steelers 24, Browns 20**

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