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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Is Alex Highsmith playing today? Injury updates for the Steelers’ EDGE

Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher Alex Highsmith is still dealing with an ankle injury. Here are the latest updates.

In the fourth quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 10 victory over the Washington Commanders, pass-rusher Alex Highsmith sustained a left ankle injury. While pressuring quarterback Jayden Daniels, Highsmith stepped on Daniels’ foot, causing his ankle to twist awkwardly. He fell to the ground in pain and required assistance leaving the field. Post-game, Highsmith was seen using crutches, indicating the injury’s severity.

This setback follows Highsmith’s earlier three-game absence due to a groin injury. In his absence, the Steelers plan to rely on Nick Herbig and recently acquired Preston Smith to fill the void.

Alex Highsmith injury update

There was a glimmer of hope that Highsmith would be back on the field this Sunday after participating in Thursday and Friday practice, though in a limited capacity.

“We got Alex Highsmith leaning in on a return,” Tomlin said in his Tuesday press conference. “We’ll let his participation and the quality of that participation be our guide in terms of whether he gets back in or what degree he gets back in.”

Unfortunately, what Tomlin saw wasn’t quality enough, and Highsmith was ruled out for the third consecutive game.

How long will Alex Highsmith be out?

It appears Highsmith is inching closer to playing. Barring a setback, expect him to be ready for Pittsburgh’s Week 14 matchup with the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.

Steelers outside linebacker depth chart

Pittsburgh struggled mightily to contain Cleveland in their Week 12 loss. Getting Highsmith back should be huge, but expect healthy doses of Herbig and Smith in the meantime.

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Steelers vs. Bengals injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 13

All the latest updates and news on the Pittsburgh Steelers injury report ahead of a Week 13 game vs. Cincinnati Bengals.

After falling to the Cleveland Browns last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers are midway through a four-game stretch of critical divisional matchups.

Pittsburgh finished preparation for Sunday’s AFC North showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals on the positive side from a health standpoint.

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

Steelers injury report

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
CB Cory Trice Jr. hamstring FP LP LP Out
LB Alex Highsmith ankle DNP LP LP Doubtful
DT Montravius Adams knee FP LP LP Out
G Isaac Seumalo NIR DNP FP FP
DT Cameron Heyward NIR DNP DNP FP
DT Larry Ogunjobi NIR LP FP FP
S Damontae Kazee illness DNP FP
DT Keeanu Benton hip LP FP

** in the designated 21-day window to return from injured reserve

DNP: Did not practice

LP: Limited participation 

FP: Full participation

NIR: Not injury related – resting

Bengals injury report

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
LB Joe Bachie hip LP LP FP
OT Orlando Brown Jr. fibula LP LP FP Questionable
QB Joe Burrow wrist FP FP FP
WR Tee Higgins NIR LP LP LP
DT B.J. Hill NIR LP FP FP
WR Charlie Jones groin LP LP DNP Doubtful
DT Amarius Mims ankle LP LP FP
DT Sheldon Rankins illness DNP DNP DNP Questionable
LB Logan Wilson knee DNP DNP DNP Out

** in the designated 21-day window to return from injured reserve

DNP: Did not practice

LP: Limited participation 

FP: Full participation

NIR: Not injury related – resting


Alex Highsmith injury update

Alex Highsmith (ankle) is inching closer to returning to the field. While he’s out vs. the Bengals, Highsmith practiced for the first time this week since sustaining the injury in the Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders.

Keeanu Benton injury update

After leaving Wednesday’s practice with a hip injury, Keeanu Benton appears good to go after participating fully on Friday. They’ll need him at 100% to defend running back Chase Brown, who’s racked up 248 rushing yards this month.

Cory Trice injury update

Cory Trice’s 21-day window to return from injured reserve started on Nov. 14 and expires on Dec. 5. If he’s not activated by Thursday, he’ll miss the rest of the season for the second consecutive year. Trice hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury in the Week 3 L.A. Chargers contest.

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Announcers set for Steelers vs. Bengals Week 13 game

Announcers are set for the Steelers-Bengals Week 13 contest in Cincinnati.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals (4-7) for their third of four consecutive division games.

The Steelers’ Week 13 game will air at 1 p.m. on CBS. The television commentators are Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Charles Davis (analyst), and Evan Washburn (sideline).

Pittsburgh aims to bounce back after having its four-game win streak snapped by the Cleveland Browns in Week 12. The Steelers lead the head-to-head series 68-39, with Pittsburgh winning three of the last four matchups.

Coming off a Week 12 bye, the Bengals have had extra time to prepare for their hated rival. They’ll be hungry for a statement win with their playoff hopes all but squashed.

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Steelers injury update: Defensive starter still out of Wednesday practice

The Steelers could use Alex Highsmith back in the lineup this week.

The Pittsburgh Steelers looked to be getting healthy ahead of this week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Defensive tackle Montravius Adams returned to practice this week which opened up his 21-day window to come off IR. On Wednesday, Adams was a full participant which is a great sign for him potentially playing this week.

But one defensive starter who missed practice again on Wednesday was outside linebacker Alex Highsmith. Highsmith is dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out of the last two games. This is in addition to the three games Highsmith missed earlier in the season.

The Steelers could really use Highsmith back for the team’s stretch run of the final six games. The pass rush has been inconsistent all season, even when Highsmith was in the lineup but it’s all hands on deck down the stretch against some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

The only other two Steelers with injury designations on Wednesday were Cory Trice and the aforementioned Adams. Both were full participants at practice.

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Ex-Steelers CB Mike Hilton credits Pittsburgh for pick-six

Everyone was waiting for a “splash play” from Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. When it finally came, he was shown up. 

Anything that you can do, I can do better.

That was the theme of the Pittsburgh Steelers loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, especially regarding the turnover battle.

Everyone was waiting for a splash play from Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. When it finally came, he was shown up.

Moments after Fitzpatrick’s first interception of the 2021 season, the Bengals returned the favor. To make matters worse, it was taken in for a score by a former Steeler who never could do it in Pittsburgh.

“Best feeling in the world, man,” said ex-Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton in a postgame press conference. “That was my first career pick-six in my whole football career, so to do it against those guys in a big division game, it couldn’t be any sweeter.”

Hilton credited knowing how the Steelers operate with how he was able to make it happen.

“Being a former [Steeler], you know what they like to run in certain situations, you know who they want to get the ball to,” he said. “Me having that little insight definitely put me in position to make a play, and I just had to go make it, and I did.”

The Bengals signed Hilton as a free agent in March.

“It was an empty formation, so you know the ball’s going to come out quick,” Hilton said, describing the play. “We were in a certain zone, and I saw three go upfield, so I knew two were either coming in or going out, and I was shaded inside, so I protected myself inside, and he broke out, and I was able to undercut it and take it to the house.”

As far as AFC North supremacy, Hilton feels like the pendulum is now swinging in the direction of his new team. “Beating these guys, for me twice, and for some of these other guys three times straight, it’s a big change in the guard, in our opinion. It’s giving us a lot of confidence, and guys are excited to see how the rest of the season plays out.”

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