Browns & Steelers Report Dissatisfaction On Sunday’s Field Conditions

Players from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns criticized poor playing conditions and discussed “outrage” to the NFL Players Association, according to an ESPN report.

After the Steelers’ 23-9 victory on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, players from both teams reported “dry” field conditions and were also seen kicking patches of grass during the game.

“The NFLPA has conveyed its concern to the NFL and will work to ensure that players are not put in that position going forward,” the source told ESPN on Wednesday.

Brian McCarthy, an NFL spokesperson, said earlier this week the league is in contact with the union and club, and will be taking “steps to replace the grass surface.”

During the fourth quarter, Steelers kicker Chris Boswell missed his 54-yard field goal because he slipped on the grass. Special teams captain Miles Killebrew also suffered a “significant” knee injury as he went down without contact.

“The conditions at Acrisure Stadium underscore why players have pushed for high-quality grass fields, and why the NFLPA continues to push for improved, shared maintenance practices of grass fields across the league,” the source said.

On Monday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin understood the playing conditions were “poor,” but didn’t express concern for the long term as he acknowledged the turf would be replaced. The surface at the stadium was scheduled to be re-sodded following the game.

Pittsburgh’s next home game will be against the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 26 on Sunday Night Football.

“Players deserve to have the safest and highest-quality places of work,” the source said. “The NFLPA is advocating to establish better leaguewide standards and pushing the NFL for more surface-specific data in order to ensure that our members are playing on the best possible field surfaces, no matter if it’s grass or turf.”