Steelers to start rookie Hodges at QB vs. Browns
Eagles’ Brooks says pressure of new contract led to anxiety attack
PITTSBURGH — Devlin Hodges in. Mason Rudolph out. At least for now. Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin tabbed Hodges as the starting quarterback for Sunday’s pivotal meeting with Cleveland at Heinz Field, though Tomlin cautioned against reading too much into the move.
“We’re singularly focused on winning this game, of putting ourselves in position to win this game,” Tomlin said Tuesday. “That’s where the decision lies. We’ll see where we are after this game. Really, we have no intended plans beyond this one.”
Hodges came on in relief of an ineffective Rudolph in the second half against Cincinnati, throwing for a momentum-shifting 79-yard touchdown pass to James Washington on his third snap that gave Pittsburgh the lead for good.
BROOKS: Two-time Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Brooks said pressure of trying to live up to a new contract led to an anxiety attack that forced him out of the Philadelphia Eagles’ game last Sunday.
Brooks has dealt with anxiety for several years but has started 50 straight games, including the playoffs. He recently signed a four-year, $54.2 million contract and it weighed on his mind.
“When I got the new contract, I tried to talk myself down about it,” Brooks said Tuesday. “‘Hey look, you’re playing great, keep doing what you’re doing, no issues.’ I talked to my therapist about it. It started setting in my head, ‘Hey, you’ve got to show everybody you’re worth the money,’ instead of, ‘Just go out there and play. No need to change what you’ve been doing or anything like that.’ That’s what kind of brought it on. That’s just the person I am. That’s my double-edged sword. It’s something that’s always driven me, to try and be the greatest at whatever I do.”
Brooks played only 12 snaps in a 17-9 loss to Seattle and had to leave. He was vomiting all morning and between series during the game before he exited.
BROWNS: Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi was reinstated to Cleveland’s roster Tuesday after serving a one-game suspension for his involvement in the recent benches-clearing brawl with the Steelers. He was disciplined by the NFL for pushing a helmetless Mason Rudolph to the ground during the Nov. 14 melee between the AFC North rivals, who meet again Sunday at Heinz Field.
Ogunjobi was one of 33 players fined for the ugly scene between the teams, a skirmish triggered by Browns defensive end Myles Garrett pulling off Rudolph’s helmet and hitting him over the head with it.
HALL OF FAME: Safety Troy Polamalu, wide receiver Reggie Wayne and linebacker Patrick Willis are first-year eligible players among the 25 semifinalists of the modern era for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Also on the list, which will be cut to 15 on Jan. 2, are previous finalists John Lynch, Steve Atwater, Tony Boselli, Steve Hutchinson, Isaac Bruce, Edgerrin James and Alan Faneca.
POWER RANKINGS: Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens just keep on rolling.
The surging Ravens, who have won seven in a row, retained the top spot in the latest AP Pro32 poll.
The Ravens earned 11 of the 12 first-place votes for 382 points in balloting Tuesday by media members who regularly cover the NFL.
The New England Patriots (10-1) received the other first-place vote for 366 points to stay in the No. 2 spot. The San Francisco 49ers (10-1) followed close behind with 365 points and remained No. 3. The Cowboys (6-5) dropped to No. 11 after losing to the Patriots.
TITANS: Tennessee has placed five-time Pro Bowl linebacker Cameron Wake on injured reserve after the 37-year-old veteran was hurt late in their win over the Jaguars.
FALCONS: Atlanta running back Devonta Freeman has returned to practice for the first time since suffering a sprained foot.
Wide receiver Julio Jones, who suffered a shoulder injury in Atlanta’s loss to Tampa Bay last week, did not participate in Tuesday’s practice.
Tight ends Austin Hooper (knee) and Luke Stocker (back) also did not practice.