Playoff atmosphere
Steelers to allow some fans for playoff game, though how many still uncertain.
The Steelers will have fans for their playoff game at Heinz Field, but the number is still being determined, according to a team source.
Gov. Tom Wolf is expected on Monday to ease restrictions that were in place over a three-week holiday period, which would allow the Steelers to have spectators for the first time in two months,
The Steelers have not had any fans in the seats since mid-November when they played the Bengals. Their Thanksgiving night game against the Baltimore Ravens was postponed six days because of a virus outbreak in the Ravens’ organization. Previous to that, they had been allowed a maximum of 5,500 spectators for two games in October. They were not allowed to have fans for two games in September and the two games at Heinz Field in December, most recently Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
“At this time, based on current State orders, the Steelers are preparing to restrict fans in the seating bowl to family and friends of players and the organization,” Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said in a statement. “However, we will continue to have dialogue with public health officials next week with the goal of possibly having increased capacity for our playoff game next weekend.
“We will communicate with our season ticket holders and fans next week with clarification of whether we will be permitted to add more fans. Our priority remains the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff, game day workers, and our fans as we navigate the pandemic during the 2020 season and playoffs.”
The date and time for the Steelers’ first playoff game has not been determined, but a source indicated Jan. 10 is being considered by CBS.
Three more get day off
The Steelers will not use three other players in addition to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in Sunday’s season finale in Cleveland — one of them idle to prevent further damage to their already-ravaged linebacker crew.
Outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who leads the NFL with 15 sacks, will be held out of the game against the Browns along with two other Pro Bowl players — center Maurkice Pouncey and defensive end Cam Heyward, according to sources.
Other veterans such as cornerback Joe Haden and guard David DeCastro will start against the Browns but are expected to play on a limited basis.
The decision to rest Watt is understandable because the Steelers have already been playing without two of their other star linebackers due to season-ending injuries — Devin Bush and Bud Dupree. But it also means Watt could lose out on the chance to become the first Steelers player to lead the league in sacks since Kevin Greene in 1994. It will also deprive him of the chance to tie or break the franchise record for sacks in a season (16), held by James Harrison.
Watt has 1½ more sacks than Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who is playing against Arizona’s Kyler Murray on Sunday in a meaningful game for both teams. Watt also leads the league in tackles for loss (26) and is a leading candidate for NFL defensive player of the year.
The Steelers also expect inside linebacker Robert Spillane to return for the first round of the playoffs. Spillane, who became the starter when Bush was injured, is eligible to come off injured reserve after missing the past three games with a knee injury.
Injury report
Place-kicker Chris Boswell, who missed the Colts game with a groin injury, did not practice Thursday. Safety Terrell Edmunds (shoulder) did not practice for a second day in a row. Several others including Watt, Ben Roethlisberger and Pouncey, had a day off for the second time this week.