Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report Ahead Of Week 3 Matchup with Steelers

As the Steelers prepare to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3, three Bengals starters are listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game.

Second year wide receiver Tee Higgins is dealing with a shoulder injury. He was limited in practice on Friday, and missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday. The Steelers shorthanded secondary was picked apart by multiple Raiders receivers in Week 2. While they will have Joe Haden back in the lineup, they will also benefit from not having to contain Higgins. Even if he does play, he’ll likely be limited.

Cornerback Trae Waynes has been dealing with a hamstring injury. The veteran cornerback didn’t practice Wednesday and was limited on Thursday and Friday. Former Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton was also limited Friday, but isn’t expected to miss his homecoming game against Pittsburgh. If Waynes misses Sunday’s game, Eli Apple will start in his place opposite of Chidobe Awuzie, with Hilton in the slot/nickel role. The absence of Waynes could lead Pittsburgh to be more comfortable testing Apple on a few deep shots downfield, so pay attention to that on Sunday.

Guard Xavier Su’a-Filo didn’t practice at all throughout the week. This plays into the hand of Pittsburgh, who will be looking for defensive lineman such as Isaiahh Loudermilk and Isaiah Buggs to step up after Tyson Alualu was lost for the season. Rookie Jackson Carman would get the start assuming Su’a-Filo is a no-go for Sunday.