Projected Inactive Players for Week 12: Steelers vs. Browns
As the NFL enters Week 12, the matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns takes on greater significance. Both teams are aiming for a strong finish to the season, with playoff hopes hanging in the balance. In these high-stakes games, every player’s availability matters. As game day approaches, one of the most anticipated bits of information that fans and analysts alike look for is the inactive player list. This list can provide crucial insights into how the teams are shaping their strategies and what adjustments may need to be made based on player availability.
In this detailed article, we’ll explore the potential inactive players for both the Steelers and the Browns in Week 12, highlighting key injuries, coaching decisions, and depth chart considerations that could influence these decisions. While the final inactive list won’t be available until closer to game day, understanding the factors that impact this list gives fans and analysts a clearer picture of what to expect in this highly anticipated matchup.
Understanding the Inactive List
Before diving into the specifics of the Steelers vs. Browns game, it’s important to understand what the inactive player list represents and why it’s so crucial for NFL teams. Each team is required to submit an inactive list about 90 minutes before the game starts. This list includes players who will not suit up for the game, regardless of whether they are healthy, dealing with injuries, or are simply part of a strategic decision.
The typical reasons for players being inactive include:
- Injuries: Injuries are the most common reason for a player to be inactive. Depending on the severity of the injury and the player’s status on the injury report, teams may decide to rest a player to avoid further damage, or they may simply not be ready to play.
- Coaching Decisions: Coaches may choose to deactivate healthy players based on the game plan or matchup. This decision could be made to give more playing time to a player in better form or to adjust the roster based on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Roster Depth: Teams often have a deep roster, and on game day, some players, even if they’re healthy, may be inactive because the team has a surplus of talent at that position.
- Suspensions: Occasionally, players are placed on the inactive list due to suspensions, either for violations of team rules or league-imposed penalties.
For Week 12, with the Steelers and Browns both vying for postseason spots, the inactive list will be crucial in determining how these teams match up and which strengths and weaknesses may be magnified during the game.
Factors That Could Influence the Inactive List for Week 12
1. Injury Reports
Injuries are the primary factor when determining which players are likely to be inactive. Both the Steelers and the Browns have had injuries throughout the season, and by Week 12, many of these injuries may still be affecting key players.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers have had issues with both their offense and defense this season in terms of injuries. Kenny Pickett, the Steelers’ starting quarterback, has been dealing with various injuries, including a rib issue that kept him limited in some earlier games. If Pickett is less than 100% in Week 12, there’s a chance he could be deactivated, with backup Mitch Trubisky or Duck Hodges potentially starting. Additionally, players like T.J. Watt (edge rusher) and Najee Harris (running back) have been dealing with minor injuries that could influence whether they are on the field or not.
- Cleveland Browns: For the Browns, the most significant injury concerns in recent weeks have been around Deshaun Watson (quarterback) and Myles Garrett (defensive end). Watson has been dealing with shoulder issues, which could keep him from playing if he’s not fully recovered. Without Watson, the Browns would likely turn to P.J. Walker or Dorian Thompson-Robinson to start. Garrett, meanwhile, is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, but even elite players like him can struggle with lingering injuries. If Garrett is sidelined or limited, the Browns’ defense could be significantly weaker.
Injuries to players such as Nick Chubb (running back) and David Njoku (tight end) have already impacted Cleveland’s offense, and the team will need to make careful decisions regarding their depth at running back and the offensive line.
2. Depth Chart and Position Needs
Beyond injuries, teams must also consider their depth chart and matchups when determining who will be inactive. For example, if one team has a particularly strong defensive line and the other has a battered offensive line, the inactive list may feature extra offensive linemen or a healthy defensive lineman in an effort to match up more effectively.
- Steelers’ Depth Chart: The Steelers are known for their defensive prowess, and much of their success depends on the performance of players like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward (defensive lineman). If the Steelers feel that they need extra depth on the defensive side of the ball, they might activate additional defensive linemen or linebackers, leaving certain offensive players inactive. The Steelers have also shown they can be flexible with their wide receiver and tight end usage. If the coaching staff feels they need more speed or versatility, players like Pat Freiermuth or Allen Robinson could be inactive in favor of utilizing more dynamic options.
- Browns’ Depth Chart: The Browns have built a balanced roster with a strong defense led by Garrett and Denzel Ward (cornerback). However, the team’s offensive depth has been a concern, especially with Watson’s struggles and Chubb’s injury. If the Browns opt to give Kareem Hunt or Jerome Ford more snaps in the backfield, a player like Pierre Strong Jr. may be inactive. On defense, if Garrett is injured or the team needs extra players at linebacker, defensive backs like Greg Newsome II or Greedy Williams may be scratched to make room for a more robust defensive line or linebacking corps.
3. Coaching Philosophy and Game Plan
Coaches often make decisions on inactive players based on how they anticipate the game unfolding. For example, if a team plans to attack primarily through the air, they might deactivate a backup running back and instead activate a fourth wide receiver or tight end. Conversely, if they plan to lean heavily on the run game, they might deactivate an extra wide receiver or defensive back in favor of adding an additional offensive lineman or blocking tight end.
For both teams, the coaching staff will likely adjust their game plans to exploit weaknesses in the other team’s roster. If the Steelers anticipate a heavy run game from the Browns, they may deactivate one of their offensive skill players to bolster the defensive front. If the Browns plan to take advantage of the Steelers’ secondary, they may make a strategic move to bolster their receiving corps or give more time to their backup quarterback if Watson isn’t healthy.
4. The Rivalry Factor
The Steelers and Browns share one of the most intense rivalries in the NFL, and that rivalry can influence the game plan and coaching decisions. Historically, games between these two teams are often hard-hitting and closely contested. As such, both teams will be motivated to field their strongest possible rosters, but the physical nature of these games means that injuries often play a larger role in the decision-making process.
The emotional stakes of a Steelers-Browns game can lead to more cautious decisions around player health, as coaches may opt to rest a key player to ensure they’re available for future weeks. This could result in star players being placed on the inactive list despite being physically capable of playing. The rivalry factor also adds an extra layer of intrigue to the inactive list, as both teams may make tactical adjustments based on the matchup’s unique characteristics.
Potential Inactive Players for Week 12
Now that we’ve outlined the factors that can influence inactive decisions, let’s look at some potential players who could be listed as inactive for each team.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
- Kenny Pickett (QB): If Pickett is dealing with lingering injury issues, there’s a chance that backup Mitch Trubisky could get the start. Pickett could be listed as inactive, though the decision will depend heavily on how he practices leading up to the game.
- Pat Freiermuth (TE): Freiermuth is a reliable target for Pickett, but if the Steelers decide to focus more on their wide receivers or running backs, Freiermuth might be inactive. This could also happen if the coaching staff wants to use more blocking tight ends to support the offensive line.
- Najee Harris (RB): Harris has been dealing with nagging injuries this season. If the Steelers want to give Jaylen Warren a larger role in the offense, Harris could be inactive.
- Cam Sutton (CB): If Sutton is nursing an injury or the Steelers need additional depth at linebacker or defensive line, he could be placed on the inactive list.
Cleveland Browns:
- Deshaun Watson (QB): Watson’s shoulder injury is a major concern. If he’s not fully recovered, the Browns could opt to go with P.J. Walker or Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the starting quarterback.
- Myles Garrett (DE): If Garrett is dealing with any lingering injuries, the Browns could decide to rest him to ensure he’s healthy for future games, especially considering the physical nature of the Steelers matchup.
- Nick Chubb (RB)