National Football League

Steelers hold out Brown vs. Falcons

Published Sep. 12, 2010 1:53 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Pittsburgh Steelers held out rookie wide receiver Antonio Brown against the Falcons, choosing to use Antwaan Randle El and Mewelde Moore as kick returners.

The Steelers activated five wide receivers Sunday, including rookie Emmanuel Sanders.

Atlanta held out wide receiver Michael Jenkins, who has a shoulder injury.

The Falcons also deactivated center Joe Hawley, cornerback Dominique Franks, running back Antone Smith, linebacker Spencer Adkins and offensive linemen Garrett Reynolds and Mike Johnson. John Parker Wilson was the third quarterback.

The Steelers didn't activate CBs Keenan Lewis and Crezdon Butler, RB Jonathan Dwyer, offensive linemen Tony Hills and Ramon Foster and LB Thaddeus Gibson. QB Byron Leftwich (knee) was ruled out earlier.