The Steelers have ruled starting wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back James Conner out for this Sunday’s game at the Cincinnati Bengals and cornerback Artie Burns is doubtful.
Smith-Schuster remains in the league’s concussion protocol after suffering two helmet-to-helmet hits on the same play last Thursday against the Cleveland Browns. He also suffered a left knee injury on the same play, the prognosis of which remains unknown.
He did not practice at all this week and will be replaced by rookie Diontae Johnson, who also suffered a concussion from a helmet-to-helmet hit against the Browns, but was a full participant in practice all week.
Deon Cain, signed from the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad earlier in the week, Johnny Holton and Tevin Jones will round out the Steelers’ available wide receivers.
Conner will again be replaced by second-year back Jaylen Samuels, with rookie Benny Snell, Jr., who will be making his return from surgery on his meniscus after missing three games. Snell was a full participant in practice all week. They’ll be joined in the backfield by Trey Edmunds.
Burns, who suffered a knee injury against the Browns, was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday and did not practice on Friday, making his participation unlikely.
The Steelers will also be without center Maurkice Pouncey, who will serve the first game of his two-game suspension.
Outside linebacker Ola Adeniyi, who also was concussed against the Browns, was a full participant in practice all week and is scheduled to play.