Tashaun Gipson Illness: Updates on Browns Star's Status and Return

Cleveland Browns safety Tashaun Gipson missed practice Friday because of an illness, but Andrew Gribble of ClevelandBrowns.com announced he was not on the list of inactive players against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Gipson, who went undrafted in 2012, has developed into one of the league's best playmakers at safety. While he's known for interceptions (14 in 43 games), he's also shown the ability to help slow down the running game. It's turned him into one of the most important pieces on the Browns defense.

Injuries have been a major part of the story so far in 2015, though. He dealt with a hamstring issue and a muscle strain during preparations for the new campaign. Since the regular season started, he's battled through a groin problem and missed time due to an ankle injury.

If he's forced back to the sidelines during the game, Jordan Poyer figures to take over the starting role in the defensive backfield once again. Don Jones and Ibraheim Campbell could also see some extra snaps as Cleveland deals with a concussion to safety Donte Whitner, as well.