The Bengals will not only be without Shemar Stewart for week 11 vs the Steelers, but a minimum of 3 additional weeks, as well. The rookie 1st round pick has been placed on IR. It was an ankle injury that saw him miss time earlier in the year, and now a knee injury is sidelining him. After a strong training camp and good performance in week 1, injuries beginning in week 2 have derailed his rookie season. If he only misses the next 4 games, Stewart can still make something of his rookie year, but the clock is ticking.
Joe Flacco only practiced on Thursday, turning in DNP’s on both Wednesday and Friday. But like in week 9, this is a set schedule implemented to manage his shoulder injury. He is fully expected to play.
Trey Hendrickson will miss another game due to a hip injury and a pelvis injury. With the team’s top two edge rushers out, the pass rush again could be anemic, unless the likes of Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai can step up.
Samaje Perine has been dealing with a knee injury, and out of the bye, he will still need more time. The veteran RB has been ruled out by the Bengals, leaving Tahj Brooks as the backup, with Kendall Milton being elevated from the practice squad for this week.
Joe Burrow was recently designated for return off IR, and he has been practicing in a limited capacity. However, he is not expected back for at least a couple more weeks, and has been ruled out for this game. Still, the progress is encouraging.
Interestingly, despite pracitcing fully, Jermaine Burton is not with the team in Pittsburgh, as he deals with an illness.
As for the Steelers, they’ll be without dynamic pass rusher Alex Highsmith. LB Cole Holcomb has also been ruled out.
CB Corey Trice was designated for return off IR by the Steelers, and was originally listed as questionable. He has since been downgraded to out. Fellow CB Darius Slay has also been ruled out. Meanwhile, G Isaac Seumalo is listed as questionable.
Cincinnati Bengals:
| Position: | Player: | Injury: | Participation in Practice: | Game Status: |
| RB | Samaje Perine | Ankle | Did Not Participate | OUT |
| DE | Trey Hendrickson | Hip/Pelvis | Did Not Participate | OUT |
| DE | Shemar Stewart | Knee | Did Not Participate | OUT |
| QB | Joe Burrow | Toe | Limited Participation | OUT |
| G | Lucas Patrick | Calf | Limited Participation | Questionable |
| QB | Joe Flacco | Right Shoulder | Did Not Participate | — |
| WR | Jermaine Burton | Illness | Full Participation | OUT |
| CB | Marco Wilson | Hamstring | Full Participation | — |
| DT | BJ Hill | Not Injury Related – Rest | Full Participation | — |
*Based on Saturday’s Report
Pittsburgh Steelers:
| Position: | Player: | Injury: | Participation in Practice: | Game Status: |
| DE | Alex Highsmith | Pectoral | Did Not Participate | OUT |
| LB | Cole Holcomb | Illness | Did Not Participate | OUT |
| CB | Darius Slay | Concussion | Limited Participation | OUT |
| G | Isaac Seumalo | Pectoral | Did Not Participate | Questionable |
| CB | Corey Trice | Hamstring/Knee | Did Not Participate | OUT |
| WR | DK Metcalf | Not Injury Related – Rest | Limited Participation | — |
| DT | Cameron Heyward | Not Injury Related – Rest | Full Participation | — |
| DE | TJ Watt | Not Injury Related – Rest | Full Participation | — |
| TE | Jonnu Smith | Not Injury Related – Rest | Full Participation | — |
| OT | Broderick Jones | Groin | Full Participation | — |
| WR | Scotty Miller | Finger | Full Participation | — |
| S | Jabrill Peppers | Quad | Full Participation | — |
*Based on Saturday’s Report
Thumbnail Image Via: All-Pro Reels (CC)