Overview
- Pittsburgh ruled out CB Darius Slay (concussion), OLB Alex Highsmith (pectoral) and LB Cole Holcomb (illness), with G Isaac Seumalo listed as questionable.
- Cincinnati ruled out DE Trey Hendrickson (hip/pelvis) and rookie DE Shemar Stewart (knee), listed QB Joe Burrow (toe) as out and will start Joe Flacco despite a limited week with a shoulder issue.
- Steelers LT Broderick Jones, who called his groin issue a minor tweak, returned to practice and is expected to be available after limited work.
- Expect expanded roles for Pittsburgh’s Nick Herbig at edge and James Pierre at corner, while the Bengals will turn to Joseph Ossai, Myles Murphy and Cedric Johnson on the outside.
- The matchup follows Cincinnati’s 33-31 win in Week 7 and arrives with the Steelers at 5-4 and the Bengals at 3-6, heightening the AFC North and playoff stakes.