Rookie receiver James Washington is among the seven Steelers players who were deactivated before Sunday afternoon’s game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field.
Washington, a second-round pick out of Oklahoma State, had dressed for the first six games of the season, but his role had diminished in recent weeks.
Washington has just five receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown, and he was not targeted by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger the past two games. Veteran Justin Hunter, who threw the block that sprung Antonio Brown’s winning touchdown against the Bengals two weeks ago in Cincinnati, will dress. Hunter has one reception for 6 yards this season.
The Steelers will be without just one starter. They will start veteran reserve Matt Feiler at right tackle in place of Marcus Gilbert, who will miss the game with a knee injury. This is the second time this season Feiler has replaced Gilbert at right tackle. In Week 3, Gilbert could not play due to a hamstring injury.
Safety Morgan Burnett will play for the first time since injuring his groin in a Week 2 game against the Chiefs. Rookie Terrell Edmunds is expected to start again at strong safety, but Burnett will play in sub-packages.
The Steelers also deactivated defensive lineman L.T. Walton, quarterback Mason Rudolph, offensive lineman Zach Banner and defensive backs Brian Allen and Marcus Allen.
The Browns deactivated quarterback Drew Stanton, defensive back E.J. Gaines, linebacker Joe Schoebert, receivers De’Mari Scott and Rashard Higgins and defensive lineman Carl Davis.
Ray Fittipaldo: rfittipaldo@post-gazette.com and Twitter @rayfitt1.
First Published: October 28, 2018, 4:09 p.m.
