Even if the Steelers had made the playoffs after their 28-14 win over the Browns at Acrisure Stadium, they would have likely been without a couple of important players.
Pat Freiermuth left Sunday's game midway in the fourth quarter with a knee injury sustained while blocking on a Najee Harris run.
As you can see, Freiermuth's leg gets caught in an awkward way, and he immediately grabs his left knee after he goes to the ground. He laid on the ground continuing to grab his knee in a lot of pain before the training staff came out to look at him. While Freiermuth was able to get up to his feet, he needed a lot of help getting off the field.
Freiermuth was quickly ruled out, which suggested the potential for a serious injury. In his Monday press conference, Mike Tomlin confirmed that Freiermuth suffered an MCL sprain and won't need surgery. While Freiermuth likely would have missed the next game if the Steelers were to have made the playoffs, no offseason surgery is a huge sigh of relief for him and the Steelers regarding the 2023 season.
Gunner Olszewski also went down with a knee injury Sunday afternoon after carrying the ball to convert and third and 1 on the Steelers' opening drive of the second half. Olszewski was ruled as doubtful to return, and wound up not playing another snap. He was seen in the locker room after the game walking around under his own power with a slight limp.
Tomlin did not mention any other injuries after the game.
One Steeler who has been playing with a lingering injury is Myles Jack. He's been battling a groin injury that was initially sustained in the Steelers' Week 14 loss to the Ravens, but has been fighting through it to play as often as possible.
Turns out Jack has been playing with a Grade 3 strain, indicating a muscle tear in his groin, per source. However, at this time, there isn't any offseason surgery planned for Jack. He recorded four tackles in Sunday's win over the Browns.
Jack is under contract for the 2023 season, but the Steelers can opt out at a cost of $3.25 million in dead cap. If the Steelers keep him next season, he currently comes with a cap hit of $11.25 million.
