The first injury report of the week sets the tone for what comes next. Some names are expected after a physical game, while others appear out of nowhere and change how a team prepares. With a division title race heating up, every name matters. The Browns’ first report ahead of their trip to Pittsburgh included a few new concerns.
Grant Delpit, Mason Graham, Mike Hall Jr., Myles Harden, Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins, Dylan Sampson, Carson Schwesinger, Daniel Thomas and Jared Verse were all listed on Cleveland’s injury report.
#Browns @ #Steelers Wednesday injury report pic.twitter.com/mZLoauNipJ
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) October 28, 2026
The biggest surprise is Verse. He did not practice because of a knee injury, a new issue for one of Cleveland’s most important defenders. Verse has not recorded a sack since arriving in the Myles Garrett trade, but the extra blockers he draws have been a big part of the Browns’ pass rush. He also made headlines after the first meeting with Pittsburgh when he called out the Steelers’ protection and said he could not wait to see them again.
Howard is another new concern. The starting right tackle did not practice and is in the concussion protocol, which means he must clear several steps before he can play Sunday.
Jenkins also sat out with a knee injury. That is not new, since he missed Wednesday’s practice last week before practicing fully on Friday and starting against the Tennessee Titans. If he cannot go, Luke Wypler would likely start at center, as he did against Pittsburgh in Week 4.
There was encouraging news on the interior of the defensive line. Hall was limited with an ankle injury, a sign that he is getting closer after missing several weeks, and Graham was also limited with an ankle injury.
Delpit was limited with a neck injury after clearing the concussion protocol last week. Schwesinger was limited with the same ankle injury he played through against Baltimore and Tennessee. Sampson, Harden and Thomas were also limited.
Denzel Ward and Quincy Williams are not on the report after both were listed as questionable last week, which is good news for Cleveland’s defense.
The Steelers have issues of their own. Cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Brandin Echols missed practice with wrist and hamstring injuries, and edge rusher Alex Highsmith was limited with a groin injury. Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt and tight end Darnell Washington got rest days.
Pittsburgh’s secondary concerns could open the door for KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston and Harold Fannin Jr., who are all off the injury report.
Thursday and Friday will tell the story. With 1st place in the AFC North on the line, the Browns need Verse, Howard and Jenkins back on the practice field quickly.
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