The Browns could get a big boost on their defensive line Sunday at Pittsburgh.
For the first time since he suffered a knee injury late in the action Week 9 at Denver, Olivier Vernon has a shot at returning to the lineup. The veteran defensive lineman is one of three players considered questionable for Cleveland's showdown with the Steelers.
LT Greg Robinson (concussion) and WR KhaDarel Hodge (Achilles) are also considered questionable. DB Eric Murray (knee) was ruled out for the fifth straight week.
Vernon returned to practice Wednesday and was a limited participant throughout the week. Coupled with the return of DT Larry Ogunjobi, who served a one-game suspension last week, the Browns would have two more starters on the defensive line than they did the previous week if Vernon were able to play.
Robinson was placed in the league's concussion protocol Wednesday and did not practice this week. Justin McCray or Kendall Lamm would be among the Browns' options at left tackle if Robinson is not available.
The Steelers will be without WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee). RB James Conner (shoulder) is considered doubtful.
Check out photos of the Browns preparing for their game against the Steelers Sunday by team photographer Matt Starkey
Cornerback Robert Jackson (34) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Linebacker Joe Schobert (53) during practice on November 28, 2019.
Cornerback T.J. Carrie (38) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (65) during practice on November 28, 2019.
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Wide receiver Rashard Higgins (81) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during practice on November 28, 2019.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (65) during practice on November 28, 2019.
Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Cornerback Greedy Williams (26) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Cornerback Greedy Williams (26) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (98) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Cornerback Tavierre Thomas (20) during practice on November 28, 2019.
Defensive end Chad Thomas (92) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during practice on November 28, 2019.
Defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (65) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Defensive end Robert McCray (52) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Defensive end Chad Thomas (92) during practice on November 28, 2019.
Wide Receiver Sheldon Gibson (17) during practice on November 28, 2019.
Defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) during practice on November 28, 2019.
Linebacker Mack Wilson (51) during practice on November 28, 2019.
Cornerback Donnie Lewis Jr. (37) during practice on November 28, 2019.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Running Back Kareem Hunt (27) during practice on November 28, 2019.
Wide receiver Rashard Higgins (81) during practice on November 27, 2019.
A helmet during practice on November 27, 2019.
Running Back Nick Chubb (24) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Defensive end Robert McCray (52) during practice on November 28, 2019.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Safety Sheldrick Redwine (29) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Defensive end Chris Smith (50) and Safety Juston Burris (31) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Linebacker Mack Wilson (51) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Cornerback Terrance Mitchell (39) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Running Back Kareem Hunt (27) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Linebacker Joe Schobert (53) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Linebacker Joe Schobert (53) during practice on November 28, 2019.
J'Mon Moore during practice on November 27, 2019.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Defensive tackle Eli Ankou (91) during practice on November 27, 2019.
A.J. Howard during practice on November 28, 2019.
Safety Sheldrick Redwine (29) during practice on November 27, 2019.
Linebacker Sione Takitaki (44) and Linebacker Tae Davis (55) during practice on November 28, 2019.
Linebacker Joe Schobert (53) during practice on November 27, 2019.
A.J. Howard during practice on November 27, 2019.
