Tag: Steelers vs. Bengals

Steelers vs Bengals injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 18

Latest updates from the Pittsburgh Steelers injury report ahead of a Week 18 game vs. the Bengals.

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a high-stakes battle against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18, with playoff seeding hanging in the balance. This AFC North showdown is more than a rivalry game for the Steelers—it’s a must-win scenario to avoid going to Baltimore to take on the Ravens in the first round of the postseason.

Pittsburgh’s defense, led by T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward, must contain Cincinnati’s explosive offense powered by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson needs to take care of the football, and the Steelers’ offense must step up against a Bengals defense that’s improved each week.

The key for Pittsburgh will be winning the trenches as Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren look to establish dominance early. With both teams eyeing postseason glory, expect fireworks and a gritty battle at Acrisure Stadium.

Steelers fans know the stakes—win to secure the 5th seed and host the Houston Texans. Lose and they’ll face a very tough Ravens team that exposed Pittsburgh in Week 16.

Here’s a look at the final injury and practice participation report for Bengals week:

Steelers injury report

Player Injury Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Game status
QB Justin Fields abdominal FP FP FP –
QB Russell Wilson NIR LP FP FP –
*WR Roman Wilson hamstring FP FP FP out
WR Ben Skowrownek hip LP FP FP –
CB Joey Porter Jr. knee FP FP FP –
CB Donte Jackson back – LP LP questionable
RB Jaylen Warren ribs FP FP FP –
*LB Cole Holcomb knee LP LP LP out
*DT Logan Lee calf LP LP LP out
G Isaac Seumalo NIR DNP FP F{ –

* In designated 21-day window to return from reserve/injured list

DNP: Did not practice

LP: Limited participation 

FP: Full participation

NIR: Not injury related – resting

Bengals injury report

Player Injury Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Game status
RB Chase Brown ankle DNP DNP DNP questionable
OT Orlando Brown Jr. fibula LP LP FP –
QB Joe Burrow wrist/knee LP LP FP –
OT Devin Cochran NIR DNP FP FP –
WR Tee Higgins ankle/knee LP LP LP questionable
DE Sam Hubbard knee DNP DNP DNP out
TE Tanner Hudson knee LP LP FP –
DT McKinnley Jackson wrist FP FP FP –
DT Kris Jenkins Jr. knee LP LP FP –
WR Charlie Jones groin LP LP LP questionable
DT Amarius Mims ankle/hand LP LP DNP questionable
TE Drew Sample groin DNP DNP DNP questionable
DE Trey Hendrickson NIR – LP FP –
CB Cam Taylor-Britt ankle – – LP questionable

DNP: Did not practice

LP: Limited participation 

FP: Full participation

NIR: Not injury related – resting

Joey Porter Jr. injury update

Joey Porter Jr. suffered a knee injury during Pittsburgh’s Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, and his absence has been debilitating for the secondary. Porter has been a full practice participant all week, so expect him to suit up on Saturday.

Roman Wilson injury update

The rookie receiver, who sustained a hamstring injury leading up to the Week 7 Jets matchup, has played in only one matchup this season: All of five snaps with zero targets in Week 6 versus the Las Vegas Raiders.

Wilson remains on injured reserve, but his full practice participation bodes well for a potential active roster spot in the first round of the playoffs. Steelers Nation doesn’t expect much from him, but given how the offense has struggled without a No. 2 receiver, things can’t get any worse.

Jaylen Warren injury update

Warren improved from limited on Tuesday to full practice participant on Wednesday and Thursday. He sustained a rib injury during the Chiefs’ Week 17 loss. Warren has out-snapped Najee Harris in the last four games, and it seems Mike Tomlin is preparing him for a starter workload.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Announcers set for Steelers vs. Bengals Week 18 game

Joe Buck and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman will call the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals 2024 NFL season finale.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) play host to the Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) in prime time on Saturday. If the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Cleveland Browns in the 4:30 slot, the Steelers will play for a division crown. The red-hot Bengals, riding a four-game win streak, also need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Week 18 season finale will air on Jan. 4 at 8 p.m. on ESPN/ABC. Commentators will be Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (analyst) and Lisa Salters (sideline reporter).

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers vs Bengals injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 18

Latest updates from the Pittsburgh Steelers injury report ahead of a Week 18 game vs. the Bengals.

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a high-stakes battle against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18, with playoff seeding hanging in the balance. This AFC North showdown is more than a rivalry game for the Steelers—it’s a must-win scenario to avoid going to Baltimore to take on the Ravens in the first round of the postseason.

Pittsburgh’s defense, led by T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward, must contain Cincinnati’s explosive offense powered by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson needs to take care of the football, and the Steelers’ offense must step up against a Bengals defense that’s improved each week.

The key for Pittsburgh will be winning the trenches as Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren look to establish dominance early. With both teams eyeing postseason glory, expect fireworks and a gritty battle at Acrisure Stadium.

Steelers fans know the stakes—win to secure the 5th seed and host the Houston Texans. Lose and they’ll face a very tough Ravens team that exposed Pittsburgh in Week 16.

Here’s a look at Wednesday’s injury and practice participation report for Bengals week:

Steelers injury report

Player Injury Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Game status
QB Justin Fields abdominal FP FP
QB Russell Wilson NIR LP FP
*WR Roman Wilson hamstring FP FP
WR Ben Skowrownek hip LP FP
CB Joey Porter Jr. knee FP FP
CB Donte Jackson back – LP
RB Jaylen Warren ribs FP FP
*LB Cole Holcomb knee LP LP
*DT Logan Lee calf LP LP
G Isaac Seumalo NIR DNP FP

* In designated 21-day window to return from reserve/injured list

DNP: Did not practice

LP: Limited participation 

FP: Full participation

NIR: Not injury related – resting

Bengals injury report

Player Injury Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Game status
RB Chase Brown ankle DNP DNP
OT Orlando Brown Jr. fibula LP LP
QB Joe Burrow wrist/knee LP LP
OT Devin Cochran NIR DNP FP
WR Tee Higgins ankle/knee LP LP
DE Sam Hubbard knee DNP DNP
TE Tanner Hudson knee LP LP
DT McKinnley Jackson wrist FP FP
DT Kris Jenkins Jr. knee LP LP
WR Charlie Jones groin LP LP
DT Amarius Mims ankle/hand LP LP
TE Drew Sample groin DNP DNP
DE Trey Hendrickson NIR – LP

DNP: Did not practice

LP: Limited participation 

FP: Full participation

NIR: Not injury related – resting

Joey Porter Jr. injury update

Joey Porter Jr. suffered a knee injury during Pittsburgh’s Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, and his absence has been debilitating for the secondary. Porter has been a full practice participant, so expect him to suit up on Saturday.

Roman Wilson injury update

The rookie receiver, who sustained a hamstring injury leading up to the Week 7 Jets matchup, has played in only one matchup this season: All of five snaps with zero targets in Week 6 versus the Las Vegas Raiders.

Wilson remains on injured reserve, but his full practice participation bodes well for a potential active roster spot at the earliest in the season finale, if not the first round of the playoffs. Steelers Nation doesn’t expect much from him, but given how the offense has struggled without a No. 2 receiver, things can’t get any worse.

Jaylen Warren injury update

Warren improved from limited on Tuesday to a full practice participant on Wednesday. He sustained a rib injury during the Chiefs’ Week 17 loss. Warren has out-snapped Najee Harris in the last four games, and it seems Mike Tomlin is preparing him for a starter workload.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Nightmare scenario to stare Steelers in the face with loss to Bengals

A nightmare scenario awaits the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2024 NFL playoffs if their downward trajectory continues. 

After dropping the last three games, even the most ardent Pittsburgh Steelers fans are weary of their team’s imminent future. A nightmare scenario awaits the Black and Gold if their downward trajectory continues.

Riding a four-game win streak (second only to the Kansas City Chiefs’ six), their forthcoming Cincinnati Bengals opponent got hot at the right time. And the Steelers went cold at the wrong time.

Fans pointing to Pittsburgh’s Week 13 victory over the Bengals in enemy territory need to rethink their argument. At that time, the Steelers had a top-ranked defense that has struggled mightily since.

The Bengals offense, led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, are lighting it up. The unit is first in the NFL in total passing yards and yards per game. The Steelers’ defense simply cannot keep up if they play as they have been recently.

A loss to Cincinnati, coupled with an all-but-guaranteed Los Angeles Chargers win over the Las Vegas Raiders, would give the Steelers the No. 6 seed heading into the playoffs. This nightmare scenario would send Pittsburgh back to Baltimore, the scene of the Week 16 34-17 crime. It’s tough to imagine the Steelers pulling off a first-round win, something they’ve failed to do in four opportunities since 2016.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers expected to get offensive weapon back for season finale vs. Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting an offensive boost ahead of their critical Week 18 showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting a boost ahead of their critical Week 18 showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. Backup quarterback Justin Fields has recovered from the abdominal injury he sustained in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles and is expected to return. Fields’ return comes at a pivotal moment as the Steelers aim to solidify their playoff position in what promises to be a high-stakes AFC North clash on Saturday night.

Fields had been instrumental in providing depth and versatility to the Steelers’ offense throughout the season. Although primarily a backup, his mobility and playmaking ability have allowed the Steelers to introduce dynamic elements to their game plan when they needed a spark.

The Steelers will need every weapon in their arsenal to face a Bengals team led by Joe Burrow. Fields offers an insurance policy for Pittsburgh’s offense, as his dual-threat capability can keep Cincinnati’s defense guessing.

The only questions are whether Arthur Smith plans to use him and whether he’ll do it correctly. Fields’ comeback also boosts team morale, underscoring the Steelers’ resilience as they aim to finish the season on a strong note.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Joe Burrow, Bengals gift formula to remaining Steelers opponents

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is a magnet for penalty flags and continues to frustrate by being overly handsy.

As a player, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. continues to amaze. Against the Cincinnati Bengals, Porter allowed a mere 22.2% completion rate from Joe Burrow — his best of the season and career second-best.

However, as a defender, Porter is a magnet for penalty flags and continues to frustrate by being overly handsy. He was called for four penalties against the Bengals — a total of nine on the season for 111 yards — including two in the end zone that set the ball at the 1-yard line.

While Mike Tomlin has downplayed concerns about Porter’s penalties, it’s becoming a noticeable pattern. If Porter doesn’t tighten up his technique, opposing quarterbacks will likely target him even more. Burrow and the Bengals gifted a formula to Jameis Winston, Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes: Throw Porter’s way to draw a flag.

Porter is no stranger to being called for penalties, as it followed him from his days at Penn State. The Steelers knew that Porter was grabby when they took him at No. 32 overall in the 2023 NFL draft, and it was a weakness littered throughout scouting reports.

Constant flags overshadow Porter’s greatness. Hopefully as Porter grows as a player, he’ll learn he can still be great without being grabby.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt quiets critics with performance vs. Bengals

Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt has faced criticism for not consistently delivering the explosive performances fans have come to expect.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has faced criticism this season for not consistently delivering the explosive performances fans have come to expect. But in Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Watt silenced his critics with a peak-performance game.

Dominant display by T.J. Watt against the Bengals

In the Steelers’ 44-38 victory over the Bengals, Watt was a disruptive force on defense, recording two sacks, five solo tackles, and a forced fumble.

Watt now has 106 career sacks, surpassing Jared Allen (105) for the third-most by a player in his first eight seasons since 1982. According to NFL345, only Reggie White (124) and DeMarcus Ware (111) have more.

T.J. Watt responds to season-long critiques

Throughout the 2024 season, Watt has been under scrutiny for a perceived decline in performance. Analysts noted his lower sack numbers over previous years and questioned his impact on the field. Some suggested that opposing teams had figured out how to neutralize him, leading to debates about his effectiveness and value.

T.J. Watt proves doubters wrong

Watt’s performance against the Bengals served as a direct response to his detractors. He delivered a game-changing display and reminded everyone of his elite status among NFL defenders. This game boosted his season statistics and reaffirmed his role as a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense.

With this resurgence, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Watt can maintain this high level of play throughout the remainder of the season. Consistency will be key for silencing critics and solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier defensive players.

Watt’s Week 13 performance against the Bengals was a powerful rebuttal to criticism this season, showcasing his ability to dominate and influence the game’s outcome.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Russell Wilson has electric response to Steelers conquering Bengals

Russell Wilson shines for Steelers with 414 yards, his most since 2017. Pittsburgh posts highest score since 2018 in a dominant team win.

Russell Wilson had an unbelievable game for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. With 414 yards passing, Wilson threw for the most yards since Week 8 of 2017 (452 yards) and the most by a Steelers quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired.

But as Wilson posted on X after conquering the Cincinnati Bengals, it wasn’t just a one-man show.

“W!!! Full TEAM effort! Proud of this group.”

Pittsburgh hasn’t scored this many points since their 52-21 trouncing of the Carolina Panthers in 2018.


Up next is an opponent it feels like the Steelers just played. Oh, wait, it’s because they did. Pittsburgh hosts the Cleveland Browns at 1 p.m. next Sunday, Dec. 8.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Joe Burrow praises Steelers’ Cameron Heyward after dominant performance

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow lauds standout performance by Pittsburgh Steelers veteran defender Cameron Heyward.

In the aftermath of a frustrating offensive performance, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow took a moment to spotlight an opponent who made a significant impact: Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward.

After a challenging 2023 season marred by injury, Heyward has roared back in 2024, delivering another standout showing with five tackles, including two for loss, a pass defended, and his fifth sack of the season.

Burrow acknowledged Heyward’s pivotal 3rd quarter sack, an eight-yard loss that underscored the veteran defender’s dominant presence.

“Cam Heyward made a great play,” Burrow said of his takedown by Heyward.

The performance further cements Heyward’s reputation as a relentless force and locker room leader.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]