Friday’s “First Call” has a Pittsburgh Steelers story you thought you’d never see: Antonio Brown giving credit to Ben Roethlisberger. Myles Garrett is enjoying Halloween. Cameron Heyward is still getting better. And the Seahawks have some injury concerns beyond just their starting running back and Russell Wilson.
Mr. Big Numbers
On Wednesday, Antonio Brown spoke about getting to 900 career catches, an achievement he hit last weekend. No NFL player has arrived at that number faster. Brown is up to 915 for his career after Thursday night’s game — 837 of them came in nine seasons with Pittsburgh.
Mr. Big Chest actually acknowledged Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for helping him get there. That’s a stunner based on how their relationship crumbled at the end of the 2018 season.
“That’s something that I’m really grateful for,” Brown said of reaching 900 catches. “But I couldn’t do it by myself. I’ve been able to play with some great quarterbacks — Ben Roethlisberger, Tom Brady — some places where I’ve played with guys like that (I’m) able to get the ball out and be on that trajectory.”
Brown and Roethlisberger connected for six straight seasons of over 100 receptions and 1,000-plus yards receiving and at least eight touchdown receptions.
A.B. also got himself a touchdown from Tom Brady on Thursday night during the Bucs’ 28-22 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
BOOMIN’
: #TBvsPHI on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO pic.twitter.com/R9s812lnml
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 15, 2021
Brown wound up with 93 yards receiving on nine receptions and one touchdown.
Can Carson?
Seahawks running back Chris Carson’s availability remains in doubt for Sunday’s game against the Steelers. He missed last week’s game against the Rams with a neck injury. He didn’t practice Thursday either. Former Baltimore Raven Alex Collins (15 carries for 47 yards against the Rams) will start if Carson is scratched.
Also notably, star receiver DK Metcalf missed practice with a foot problem after being limited Wednesday. Linebacker Bobby Wagner (knee) and guard Damien Lewis (illness) returned to practice on a limited basis. Both missed Wednesday’s workout.
Starting quarterback Russell Wilson remains on the injury report and was listed as a limited participant. But after needing surgery on a finger on his throwing hand, Wilson is expected to miss at least four weeks. ProFootballTalk.com reports that he only threw left-handed and did some other cardio work.
Former West Virginia Mountaineer Geno Smith will start at Heinz Field in place of Wilson, his first start since 2017 with the Giants. He has 31 starts in his career.
That paints the picture
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is getting creative for Halloween. Photos surfaced of Garrett’s fully decorated lawn. They feature the names of quarterbacks he’s already faced or will face, during the 2021 NFL season.
Myles Garrett really decorated his front yard with QB gravestones for Halloween ️ pic.twitter.com/HBCj4Sd4ru
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) October 14, 2021
Before you ask, no. There is no Mason Rudolph tombstone. Perhaps after Garrett nearly cracked Rudolph’s skull open with his own helmet, even Garrett was aware that imagery would’ve hit a little too close to home.
Well, unless Rudolph was given his own tombstone in the backyard. I’m not ruling that out.
Getting better every day
ESPN posted a list of the most improved players for every team in the NFL through five games.
The entry for the Steelers may surprise you. It was defensive lineman Cameron Heyward.
So how is a two-time All-Pro and a Pro Bowler last year “most improved” for any team? Here’s what ESPN.com’s Brooke Pryor wrote:
“Playing like a man on a mission, Heyward has been the anchor on a Steelers defensive front that’s been in flux with a series of injuries. Through five games, the 11-year veteran is Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded interior defender, outpacing Aaron Donald and Jonathan Allen. As a unit, the Steelers’ pass rush hasn’t been able to get as much pressure as previous seasons, but Heyward is still a force with 14 solo tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.”
Fair enough. Here’s the biggest problem for the Steelers. I can’t think of another candidate.
Two former Steelers made the list. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders is the nominee for the Buffalo Bills. Defensive lineman Javon Hargrave got the nod for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at [email protected] or via Twitter. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.
