The Cleveland Browns face a crucial Week 12 matchup against their fierce rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, on Thursday Night Football. With a 2-8 record, the Browns are desperate for a win to salvage some pride in a tough season. However, injuries are piling up, and fans were left holding their breath after star defensive end Myles Garrett missed Tuesday’s practice.

The good news? Garrett is expected to suit up against the Steelers. According to head coach Kevin Stefanski, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year “looked like himself” during practice and isn’t listed on the final injury report. Despite his absence on Tuesday, Garrett returned to limited practice on Wednesday and sounded confident about his readiness. “Don’t feel 100 percent but feel good enough to go out there and make a difference,” Garrett said, per ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi.

Garrett’s hip injury added to the team’s concerns earlier this week, but it isn’t a new battle for the defensive end. The eight-year veteran has been managing pain and inflammation in both feet—possibly linked to double foot surgeries he underwent as a child, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

This hasn’t stopped him from being a force this season, with seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles in 10 games. He noted he’ll likely have to “play through it” and potentially revisit surgery in the offseason.

With Jedrick Wills Jr. and Geoff Swaim already ruled out, Garrett’s presence is a major boost for a Browns defense facing a formidable Steelers offense. Despite the setbacks, Garrett remains determined. As he put it, “It’s about managing it and playing through it,” setting the tone for a Browns team eager to turn things around.

Key injuries ahead of Browns vs. Steelers clash

The Cleveland Browns are dealing with a string of injuries ahead of their matchup. Star guard Joel Bitonio is ruled out due to a pectoral injury, which is a significant blow to their offensive line. Defensive anchor Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is also sidelined with an elbow/triceps issue, adding pressure on their linebacker rotation. Myles Garrett, one of the league’s premier edge rushers, is battling a shoulder injury, though he managed limited practice and might suit up. Meanwhile, tight end David Njoku fully participated despite a knee issue, suggesting he’s likely ready to contribute offensively.

On the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ side, their defense faces concerns as Alex Highsmith’s ankle injury limited his participation in practice. Additionally, key defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi did not practice due to a knee issue, leaving his availability in doubt. Rest days were granted to stars T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, but both are expected to be ready. Najee Harris also participated fully after a rest day, signaling his readiness to lead the Steelers’ rushing attack.

Both teams are grappling with impactful injuries, but key players like Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt could still make a difference if cleared to play. The Browns’ defensive depth and the Steelers’ defensive line rotation will be tested, making injury management a critical factor in this divisional showdown.