The new Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast kicks off with hosts Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith dissecting the latest Steelers updates. They review injury reports for Ben Skowronek, Doneiko Slaughter and Brandin Echols, recap Mike McCarthy's recent comments, and share insights from chats with Zach Frazier, Riley Nowakowski, Deshon Elliott and Asante Samuel Jr. The episode also tackles the Cam Heyward‑Jared Verse debate, highlights ESPN's Top 25 trade targets, and more. Listeners can catch the show on YouTube, Megaphone or their favorite podcast platform.
The Browns lock up defensive tackle Maliek Collins with a two‑year, $30 million extension that guarantees $15 million, an $8 million signing bonus and up to $1.5 million in per‑game roster bonuses through 2028. Meanwhile, the Ravens’ coaching staff and veterans—including HC Jesse Minter, left tackle Ronnie Stanley, RB Derrick Henry and WR Zay Flowers—acknowledge the team’s momentum issues and mental lapses as they await the possible return of quarterback Lamar Jackson this week. Both clubs emphasize consistency and staying even‑keeled to shape their identities moving forward.
The Browns and Steelers each have nine players listed as Did Not Practice ahead of their Week 8 AFC North showdown. Cleveland’s notable absences include DE Jared Verse (knee) and OT Tytus Howard (concussion protocol), while RB Dylan Sampson and several linemen are limited. Pittsburgh sits out CB Jalen Ramsey (wrist), CB Brandin Echols (hamstring) and DE Cameron Heyward (rest), among others. Both teams will be missing key contributors as they vie for the division lead.
Ben Skowronek returns to the Steelers' practice Wednesday, limited by a calf injury, marking his first participation since Week 5. Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith also remains limited with a groin strain after playing in Week 7. Defensive backs Brandin Echols (hamstring), Jalen Ramsey (wrist) and newcomer Doneiko Slaughter (hamstring) sit out, while Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt and tight end Darnell Washington are listed as rested. The team prepares for Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, whose practice report is still pending.
The Browns head into their Week 8 showdown with the Steelers on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium despite a rash of injuries. The injury report lists defensive tackle Jared Verse and two offensive line starters as inactive (DNP), adding to an already battered roster. Cleveland still leads the AFC North, but the depletion could tilt the highly anticipated, media-fueled clash in Pittsburgh’s favor.
Wednesday’s NFL roster moves see the 49ers trade a 2027 fourth‑round pick to the Colts for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, while also releasing DB Jack Jones. The Bills elevate WR Tyrell Shavers from the PUP list, and the Commanders add WR Van Jefferson, place Terry McLaurin on IR, and return DT Jer’Zhan Newton from IR. The Chiefs bring K Justin Tucker to the practice squad and bring DT Omarr Norman‑Lott back from PUP. Notable practice‑squad signings include TE Carsen Ryan (Browns), WR Zay Jones (Cardinals), and RB Jaydon Blue (Eagles).
The Steelers issue their Week 8 injury report ahead of Sunday’s showdown with the Browns, listing six players who missed Wednesday’s practice. Hamstring issues sideline CB Brandin Echols and CB Doneiko Slaughter, while DL Cam Heyward, TE Darnell Washington and EDGE T.J. Watt are on rest days. DB Jalen Ramsey sits out with a wrist injury. The report signals potential lineup adjustments for the upcoming game.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, sitting 5-2 and tied for the AFC North lead heading into Week 8, are reportedly targeting Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Baker, a playmaking defensive back with 44 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception in seven games, could bolster Pittsburgh’s defense despite his sizable contract. The Athletic lists the Steelers, Bears and Lions as potential suitors, noting the Cardinals would incur only $3.06 million in dead money if he’s moved. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy may explore a high‑impact trade to add firepower to a unit that’s struggled to win convincingly.
The Steelers focus on shoring up their run defense before Sunday’s rematch with the Cleveland Browns. On Wednesday, interior linemen Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black and Gabriel Rubio ran individual drills, aiming to improve the unit’s 3.8 yards‑per‑carry allowed so far. Cleveland’s rising back Quinshon Judkins arrives looking to exploit the Steelers’ vulnerability. The practice preview highlights the young defensive line’s preparation ahead of the pivotal showdown.
Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken says Dillon Gabriel’s return from IR doesn’t automatically move him up the depth chart. Gabriel, back after a back injury that landed him on IR on Aug. 30, rejoined practice on Oct. 6 and was activated to the 53-man roster on Oct. 26, but Monken remains undecided about shifting backup roles. He confirms Shedeur Sanders stays as the secondary quarterback behind starter Deshaun Watson, while rookie Taylen Green also remains in the mix. With four QBs already on the roster, Monken hints he could even add another. The upcoming Week 8 game vs. the Steelers will reveal how Cleveland utilizes its quarterback options.
Browns head coach Todd Monken praises the Steelers’ emerging defense, noting they’ve allowed only three touchdowns in the last 15 quarters—a key factor in three straight wins under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. While still showing occasional lapses, the unit’s resilience signals a “really good” defensive upswing, according to Monken.
Coach Mike Tomlin says rookie wideout Germie Bernard will be a game‑changer in the Steelers’ Week 10 rematch with the Browns. After a narrow 27‑24 loss in Week 4, Pittsburgh hopes Bernard’s speed and route‑running can spark a comeback at Heinz Field on Oct. 28. Tomlin hints the young talent could flip crucial third‑down situations and give the Steelers the edge they missed in Cleveland.
Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner questions the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl prospects, saying their offensive limitations could keep them from going “very far.” Despite a 5-2 start and a chance to overtake the AFC North lead by beating the Cleveland Browns this week, Warner doubts the unit’s ability to sustain success. The article examines his critiques, points to specific areas where the offense is struggling, and contrasts his view with the team’s current standing and playoff aspirations.
The Cleveland Browns are set to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8, but head coach Todd Monken remains vague about the backup quarterback lineup. After Dillon Gabriel re‑joins the 53‑man roster, the team could keep four QBs active all season, though few see trade value in Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, or Taylen Green. Monken declined to clarify whether Sanders or Gabriel will back starter Deshaun Watson, leaving the decision pending until the inactive list is released 90 minutes before kickoff. The Browns aim to stay unbeaten while fans await the final QB call.
With the Browns riding a 5-2 start, quarterback Deshaun Watson embraces growing Comeback Player of the Year buzz. In a interview with Scott Petrak, Watson says the hype boosts his confidence and reminds him to enjoy the game, emphasizing a week‑by‑week focus. His late‑game heroics have fueled the Browns’ dramatic wins, and the team now eyes a crucial AFC North showdown against the equally‑ranked Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Bengals plan to keep DE Shemar Stewart despite recent healthy scratches, hoping he matures after two injury‑marred seasons; they may consider a Day‑3 pick swap to add depth at RB, safety, corner, or linebacker before the deadline. The Browns aren’t actively shopping WR Jerry Jeudy but would entertain offers above a fourth‑round pick, while also scouting defensive line or versatile H‑back help. The Ravens’ WR Rashod Bateman draws interest for a larger role, yet Baltimore lacks receiver depth. Meanwhile, the Steelers aim to acquire a receiver and cornerback before the trade deadline.
After the Steelers’ 16‑10 win in Paris, they brace for a pivotal AFC North showdown with the Browns in Week 8. Tensions flare after Cleveland’s Jared Verse accused Pittsburgh of “playing dirty” following a 27‑24 loss on Oct. 1, prompting defensive star Cam Heyward to promise retaliation on “The Rich Eisen Show.” Heyward emphasized that double‑team hits and sliding are legal, highlighted his bruises as proof, and expressed excitement for a “five‑star” matchup. Both teams sit 5‑2, so the winner could claim the division lead.
In Episode 41 of The Terrible Podcast, Alex Kozora and host dive into the Steelers' prep for Sunday’s rematch with the Browns, break down the all-22 footage from the Steelers‑Saints game, and toss around trade rumors and Monday press conference highlights. Listeners get tactical insights, player performance notes, and speculation on roster moves ahead of the pivotal matchup.
The Browns' surprise 5-2 start has turned them into a low-key trade‑deadline watch, with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggesting they could become buyers rather than sellers. Cleveland may target defensive‑line depth and a versatile blocker at tight end or H‑back, mirroring Patrick Ricard’s role in Baltimore. With veteran fullback Michael Burton already on the roster, a upgrade at the position and added tight‑end help behind Harold Fannin Jr. are priority moves. Rumors that wideout Jerry Jeudy could be dealt have faded, according to Ian Rapoport, as the team rides its winning streak. The Browns head to Pittsburgh for an AFC North clash on Nov. 1, while holding 11 picks for the 2027 draft.
As the Browns gear up for their Week 8 clash with the Steelers, GM Andrew Berry is already eyeing the NFL trade deadline. ESPN’s latest deadline report lists Cleveland as a top landing spot for three defensive ends—YaYa Diaby (ranked #4, 35% chance), Khalil Mack (ranked #7, 35% chance) and Jermaine Johnson II (ranked #11, 30% chance)—while also noting the high price tag on WR Jerry Jeudy. The article breaks down each prospect’s fit and asks fans which player they’d like Cleveland to pursue.
The Cleveland Browns have re‑signed 23‑year‑old tight end Carsen Ryan to their practice squad after cutting him the previous Tuesday, NFLTradeRumors.co reports. Ryan, a former UCLA, Utah and BYU player, appeared in six games for Cleveland in 2026. He was originally selected in the seventh round (248th overall) of the 2026 draft and signed a four‑year, $4.8 million rookie contract with a $432,596 signing bonus. The move gives the Browns a familiar target for depth at tight end heading into the remainder of the season.
Sharp Football Analysis’s Week 8 fantasy worksheet breaks down the Browns‑Steelers clash. The Browns sit at a 3.5‑point underdog, averaging 19.0 points per game (12th) versus Pittsburgh’s 28.0 (5th). Cleveland’s offense runs 43.8% of plays, ranks 26th in play‑calling and has been outscored 58‑13 after the first quarter—the worst margin in the league. Defensively, they allow 4.9 sacks + turnovers per game (31st), while the Steelers limit opponents to 1.75 points per drive (4th). QB preview: Aaron Rodgers (Browns) posts a 61.6% completion rate but struggles against man coverage; Deshaun Watson (Browns) is a QB2 after a big 308‑yard outing. Steelers’ passing dominates the red zone (92.9% TDs air). The data suggests a low‑scoring, pass‑heavy showdown that favors Steelers’ defense.
In a 27-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns, Titans coach Brian Daboll revamps the ground game, leaning on gap concepts that let the offensive line dominate. Running back Tony Pollard erupts for 129 yards and three touchdowns on 5.2 yards per carry, marking his best performance against Cleveland since 2025. The shift to a power‑run approach delivers the team's most efficient rushing showing of the season, offering a glimpse of offensive cohesion despite Tennessee’s 1‑6 record after seven weeks.
With the Browns riding a 5-2 start, GM Andrew Berry faces a buyer’s market at the Nov. 10 trade deadline. The piece advises against costly pursuits like RB Jonathan Taylor or Saquon Barkley, but highlights affordable edge upgrades such as Chargers’ Tuli Tuipulotu and Eagles’ OLB Nolan Smith. It also urges rapid action on high‑impact targets: Khalil Mack, TE Charlie Kolar, CB Amik Robertson, and other Chargers assets, noting Cleveland’s need for more pass‑rush depth and tighter end options ahead of the Week 8 showdown with Pittsburgh. The article balances realistic pricing with the squad’s playoff push.
The Steelers‑Browns Week 8 showdown on Oct. 12 will be blacked out in many major TV markets as part of CBS’s regional 1 p.m. broadcast. Only a handful of areas—Scranton, Columbus, Norfolk, Charlotte, Atlanta and New Orleans—will see the game, while most markets get other matchups like Buffalo‑Baltimore. Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins call the game from Acrisure Stadium. Both teams sit 5‑2; Pittsburgh is a 3.5‑point home favorite at -185 moneyline, with a 39.5 over/under. The article also outlines the rest of the Sunday and week’s TV schedule.