Category: 2020 Steelers vs. Bengals NFL Week 10

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin says CB Mike Hilton is questionable vs the Bengals

Here is an injury update from Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

[jwplayer JZtzT24f-ThvAeFxT]

The Pittsburgh Steelers could get one starter back this week according to head coach Mike Tomlin. When Tomlin spoke to the media on Friday, he indicated defensive tackle Tyson Alualu has a good chance to play against the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend. Alualu would be welcome back to help bolster a struggling run defense.

Unfortunately, it sounds more and more like cornerback Mike Hilton won’t play as he continues to deal with a shoulder injury. Tomlin characterized Hilton as questionable for this week but I wouldn’t hold my breath he plays.

If Hilton cannot go again this week, Cameron Sutton will see extended reps again. Sutton has proven to be a very good replacement since Hilton suffered his shoulder injury.

Alualu’s absence has really shown itself. Guys like Isaiah Buggs and Henry Mondeaux are high-effort players but lack the level of playmaking Alualu has shown this season.

[vertical-gallery id=481035]

[listicle id=481245]

NFL experts still banking on a Steelers win this week

NFL experts all over the internet are picking the Steelers over the Bengals this weekend.

[jwplayer JZtzT24f-ThvAeFxT]

Despite a turbulent week for the Pittsburgh Steelers including COVID-19 and injuries, the 8-0 squad still had the eye of more NFL pundits when it comes to this week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Looking at the picks on NFL Pick Watch, 92 percent of experts are still picking the Steelers to get the win at home. As of now, the SSteelers have multiple starters on the Reserve/COVID-19 list including linebacker Vince Williams and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Assuming there are no problems this week, both guys should be activated on Saturday and play on Sunday.

The same cannot be said for starting tight end Vance McDonald who tested positive and isn’t likely to play.

Meanwhile the Bengals are sitting at 2-5-1 but have hope in rookie quarterback Joe Burrow. There are still some missing pieces but you can tell the Bengals are a team on the rise.

But I want to pass the question off to you. Can the Steelers keep their undefeated streak up or will they slip up against the Bengals?

[vertical-gallery id=481035]

[listicle id=481372]

Bengals HC Zac Taylor expects Ben Roethlisberger to play

According to the Bengals head coach, they are planning like Ben Roethlisberger is going to play on Sunday.

[jwplayer JZtzT24f-ThvAeFxT]

The Cincinnati Bengals are taking the cautious approach for this week’s game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the fact quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has two injured knees and is on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor expects Big Ben to play.

This is definitely the prudent move for the Bengals on a couple of levels. First off, if Roethlisberger doesn’t play, Cincinnati’s focus doesn’t need to be on Mason Rudolph or Joshua Dobbs. Neither player offers much in the way of playmaking.

But it’s also the smart option given how tough Roethlisberger has shown himself to be throughout his career. Based on COVID protocols, unless Roethlisberger has a positive test, Roethlisberger will be activated on Saturday and play on Sunday. It isn’t ideal that Roethlisberger will go all week without practice but this shouldn’t be a huge problem for a veteran like Roethlisberger.

But I want to pass the question off to you. Should the Steelers hold Roethlisberger this week just to be safe or does he have to play?

[vertical-gallery id=481035]

[listicle id=481372]

Steelers vs Bengals: 3 big storylines in this week’s game

Is Ben Roethlisberger going to be ready to play after a week of no workouts? This is one of the big storylines this week.

The last three weeks have been huge for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Three straight road wins and two of them over top teams has put them in the driver’s seat in the AFC North. But this week’s divisional matchup is just as important for playoff seeding and personal pride. The Cincinnati Bengals have nothing to play for than to ruin the Steelers day.

Here are the three big storylines this week.

[vertical-gallery id=481035]

[listicle id=481245]

 

Steelers vs Bengals injury update: Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, DT Isaiah Buggs miss practice with injuries

Steelers Wire takes a look at the practice report from Wednesday.

[jwplayer JZtzT24f-ThvAeFxT]

The Pittsburgh Steelers got back to work on Wednesday as they prepare to take on the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend. There was a long list of absences and a few of note.

Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster missed practice as he deals with a knee injury and defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs missed practice while he tries to come back from an ankle injury.

There was also a long list of guys who got a veteran day off including center Maurkice Pounce, guard David DeCastro, offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva, defensive tackle Cam Heyward and tight end Eric Ebron.

Defensive tackle Tyson Alualu was back at practice but listed as limited. Alualu has missed the last two games with a knee injury.

The good news from Wednesday’s practice is that fullback Derek Watt and cornerback Mike Hilton were both full participants. Hilton in particular would be a great player to have back this week.

[vertical-gallery id=481035]

[listicle id=481245]

Steelers need to be on high-alert with Bengals rookie QB Joe Burrow

Pittsburgh needs to be ready for Cinci’s record-setting rookie QB.

On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers are due to face one of the best quarterbacks of their schedule in rookie Joe Burrow.

“He’s as good as advertised,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in his weekly press conference on Tuesday. “His physical talents are one thing, and they are rock-solid. This guy can make every throw, his accuracy his exceptional.”

Though the Bengals sit at 2-5-1 and last in the AFC North, Burrow enjoys a record-setting season. In eight games, the rookie is 221-for-330 (67 percent) with 2,272 yards passing (eighth-most in the NFL), 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Not only is Burrow the top-ranked rookie quarterback, he’s the top-ranked overall player of the 2020 NFL draft class.

According to the Pro Football Focus QB position grades, Burrow is the highest-ranked quarterback in the AFC North. He’s ranked two spots (13) above Ben Roethlisberger (15).

Tomlin also noted Burrow’s mobility factor, of which the Steelers should anticipate the Bengals taking full advantage. Burrow has rushed for 130 yards and three scores. “His mobility is really underrated,” said Tomlin. “He’s an easy mover who can escape and create. They also have some designed quarterback runs that are challenging in the red zone.”

To Pittsburgh’s benefit, however, Cincinnati’s offensive line is porous and ranked at 31. They’ve allowed Burrow to be sacked 28 times — tied for second-most with New York Giants’ Daniel Jones. The rookie has also fumbled eight times and lost three.

Both the Steelers’ pass-rush and coverage units had better be on high-alert on Sunday.

[vertical-gallery id=480802]

[listicle id=481023]