After practice Thursday night, Antonio Brown posted a photo on Twitter of himself and Le’Veon Bell celebrating a touchdown with these words and an emoji of a raised black fist next to Bell’s Twitter handle: “We all we got, we all we need. Ready to roll whenever you get back with us, family.”
We all we got, we all we need. Ready to roll whenever you get back with us, family ✊🏿 @LeVeonBell pic.twitter.com/ukPRUdoqe4
— Antonio Brown (@AB84) September 7, 2018
Brown’s message came two days after several teammates, including three of his offensive linemen, ripped Bell for not showing up this week as he continues to stay away from the team during his contractual dispute.
So why did he post the photo?
“No one wins when the family feuds,” Brown said Friday afternoon following practice. “At the end of the day, we’re a family. Whether he’s here or not, we want the best for him. That’s what it’s all about. It’s not about pointing fingers and fighting amongst each other. We’re a core group that should love and respect each other regardless of the situation.”
When asked if Bell, who is not under contract until he signs his $14.5 million franchise tender, is still a part of the team, Brown responded: “When he comes, he’ll be a part.”
Ready or not
Brown acknowledged it was a difficult summer for him. He did not play in a preseason game for the first time in his career at least in part because of a lower-body injury that kept him out of practice for a couple of weeks during training camp.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to come out and compete,” Brown said. “Obviously, it’s been a rough preseason for me. I’m excited to go out there and show the world what I’m capable of doing.”
Brown enters the season 90 yards shy of 10,000 for his career entering the opener against the Browns.
“Adversity is a part of this game,” Brown said. “You play this game long enough you’re going to have adversity. Adversity is how you respond to it. I have a great opportunity to respond this weekend.”
Brown dismissed the idea that playing in the preseason might have affected his preparation for the regular season.
“It might mean something to you guys,” he said. “I’ve been playing football since I was 6 so I’m excited to go out and play some football.”
Injury report
Tight end Vance McDonald, who has been dealing with a foot injury since the first week of training camp, has been ruled out for the Cleveland game. The Steelers will enter the opener with two tight ends available — Jesse James and Xavier Grimble — if they don’t make a roster move Saturday.
No other Steelers are listed on the final injury report of the week.
Browns cornerback E.J. Gaines, who started all 11 games he played last season, is out with a knee injury, and linebacker James Burgess is doubtful with a concussion.
Receiver Josh Gordon, who was limited early in the week with a hamstring injury, was a full participant in practice Friday and is expected to play.
Ray Fititpaldo: rfittipaldo@post-gazette.com and Twitter @rayfitt1.
First Published: September 7, 2018, 5:42 p.m.
Updated: September 7, 2018, 7:43 p.m.