Bengals Rule Out Star Defender vs. Steelers
Veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins has been ruled out for the Cincinnati Bengals when they travel to face this Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, and his 2024 season has come to an end, as well.
Rankins has been out since Nov. 7 with a mysterious illness, the details of which have not been reported. He has not been around the team or practicing. On Monday, Rankins was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list, ending his 2024 season.
In his place, the Bengals have been starting second-round rookie Kris Jenkins at defensive tackle alongside veteran B.J. Hill. Jenkins has started the last six games for the Bengals. On the season, he has 29 tackles, there tackles for loss, five quarterback hits and three sacks. Jenkins had a career-high six tackles in the first game this season between the Steelers and Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Dec. 1.
Third-round rookie McKinnley Jackson and veteran Jay Tufele will serve as Cincinnati’s backups at defensive tackle for Saturday’s Week 18 showdown.
Cincinnati has also been playing without star linebacker Logan Wilson, cornerback D.J. Turner II and defensive end Cam Sample.
The Bengals defense has struggled all season, entering play against the Steelers in Week 18 ranked 29th in points per game, 27th in yards per game, 24th in passing yards per game and 21st in rushing yards per game. The only area where the Bengals are above average is in takeaways, where they have 24 on the season, tied for eighth-best in the league.
Read This Next
