Antonio Brown might be the best wide receiver in the NFL, but even the Steelers’ star is just another wide-eyed fan when he watches Odell Beckham Jr.
“Definitely tuning in to see him,” Brown told reporters heading into Sunday’s matchup at Heinz Field. “He’s an exciting player. I always watch his highlights, talk to him and critique his game. I’ll definitely be out of my seat seeing what he does.”
For Brown, it isn’t a coincidence that he’s tied with his good friend for the most receiving touchdowns (33) in the league over the past three seasons.
“[We’re] always trying to outdo each other,” Brown said Friday. “It’s one of those types of friendships where we expect greatness from each other. We try to push the threshold and encourage each other and inspire each other.”
Giants starting left guard Justin Pugh (knee) will miss his fourth straight game — and will be joined by linebacker Mark Herzlich (concussion), safety Nat Berhe (concussion) and defensive end Owa Odighizuwa (knee) — but the offensive line could see Marshall Newhouse (knee) and Brett Jones (calf) return Sunday. Newhouse and Jones are both listed as questionable.
Pugh, who suffered a minor setback last week, was limited in practice this week and is targeting his return for next week’s game against Dallas.
“He has a little ways to go,” coach Ben McAdoo said. “He’s working hard at it, though.”
Adam Gettis started in Pugh’s place last week, but coach Ben McAdoo would not reveal who will start at left guard this week, with Newhouse and Jones potentially back after sitting out the win over the Browns.
“We’ll see how it goes,” McAdoo said. “We’ll have another day to work [Saturday].”
Running back Shane Vereen (triceps), who has been out since Week 3 and is on the designated to return from the injured reserve list, also is hoping to return against the Cowboys. Vereen participated in some team drills this week.
“He caught the ball well,” McAdoo said. “He was moving around well. We’ll see how he does with some contact.”
Though wide receiver Sterling Shepard is coming off his first career game without a catch — ending a three-game touchdown streak — McAdoo said he has noticed no difference in the rookie’s demeanor this week, offering another explanation for the receiver’s solid debut season.
“He’s handled success well,” McAdoo said. “He’s a young guy that comes out, works hard at his craft. … He works at it and asks a lot of good questions. He’ll make mistakes and fix his mistakes. He’ll move on.”
The Steelers will be without wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (foot) and running back DeAngelo Williams (knee).