The Cleveland Browns are getting back a key piece of their defense against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8.
The Cleveland Browns have a chance to move to 6-2 Sunday when they visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8 . It's an AFC North rematch, and Cleveland needs a road win to sweep the season series after beating Pittsburgh at home on Thursday Night Football back in Week 4.
The Browns haven't swept the Steelers since the 1980s, so pulling it off would be a bit of a shock. Still, Cleveland has put itself in position to do it. The schedule is a bit unusual, with these two teams meeting twice before Week 8 ends. A win would put the Browns firmly in the playoff chase, and they're getting help on the defensive line at the right time.
The Browns lost defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. to an ankle injury just before halftime in that Week 4 win over the Steelers. Hall returned in the second half and recorded his only sack of the season in that game.
Since then, Hall has missed the last three games for Cleveland. The good news for the Browns is that the third-year defensive tackle will be back on the field Sunday . Hall is the Browns' third defensive tackle behind Mason Graham and Maliek Collins, and getting him back adds depth to a defense that carries this team.
Cleveland also got Graham back last game after he missed a couple of games. With Hall now returning, the defensive line will be at full health going into a big-time AFC North battle.
The defense has been the backbone of this Browns team. Cleveland is allowing 20.9 points per game, which ranks 12th in the NFL, and the defensive line has been a clear strength.
Even without Myles Garrett, the Browns are getting after the quarterback at a high level. Cleveland ranks third in the NFL with 20 sacks. The Green Bay Packers lead the league with 22 sacks, and they've played one more game than the Browns.
Having Hall back will help that pass rush. Pittsburgh will see a full rotation up front, and the Browns can keep fresh bodies on the field late in the game. That matters against a division rival on the road.
The only real question marks for the Browns going into this game are on the injury report. Slot cornerback Myles Harden is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury.
On the other side of the ball, right tackle Tytus Howard is questionable after spending the week in concussion protocol. Additionally, depth defensive back and special teamer Daniel Thomas is questionable to play.
Overall, the Browns are about as healthy as they could ask to be at this point in the season. Cleveland already beat Pittsburgh once, and now it has a chance to do something the franchise hasn't done in decades. The opportunity is right there for the Browns on Sunday, and they have the chance to finish the job in Pittsburgh.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Browns got a shot in the arm ahead of facing the Steelers thanks to some great injury news
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