Steelers will rest Pro Bowlers T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Maurkice Pouncey in addition to Ben Roethlisberger vs. Browns, report says

CLEVELAND, #Ohio — The #Steelers are rolling out the red carpet for the #Browns to join them in the playoffs.

#In addition to #Ben #Roethlisberger, the #Steelers will rest three 2020 #Pro #Bowlers against the #Browns on #Sunday at #FirstEnergy #Stadium: edge-rusher T.J. #Watt, star defensive tackle #Cam #Heyward and starting center #Maurice #Pouncey, #Gerry #Dulac of the #Pittsburgh #Post-Gazette reported #Thursday morning.

#It almost ensures the #Browns will beat the #Steelers (12-3) and #Mason #Rudolph to clinch their first playoff berth in 18 years.

The #Browns are in if they win, and will need help getting in if they lose. #An additional path is for the #Colts to lose the #Jaguars.

#Watt, a leading candidate for NFL #Defensive #Player of the #Year, leads the NFL with 15 sacks and is a load for any team to handle. #Heyward led the #Steelers with eight tackles in the first meeting, a 38-7 #Pittsburgh victory, and had a quarterback hit. #Pouncey is one of the best centers in the NFL.

#Steelers coach #Mike #Tomlin said #Tuesday that “the vast majority’’ of his players besides #Roethlisberger would play, but now he’s giving more his star players a break before the playoffs.

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