PITTSBURGH — The Steelers have ruled out seven players against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. That list is headlined by quarterback Kenny Pickett and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Pickett is still recovering from ankle surgery but seems to have a good shot to return next week after practicing for most of this week. Fitzpatrick suffered a knee injury against the Colts and will be out for the foreseeable future.
In addition to the safety position, Trenton Thompson is out with a neck injury. Thompson, Fitzpatrick, and Damontae Kazee, who was suspended, will all miss this game against the Bengals. Patrick Peterson and Eric Rowe are expected to start, but Elijah Riley and Miles Killebrew are helping out with the depth of the room.
Linebacker Blake Martinez is out and will sit with Myles Jack being elevated. They expect to see him play a significant amount throughout the game along with Mykal Walker and Elandon Roberts. Martinez was the odd man out with Kyron Johnson coming up from the practice squad to play special teams.
Cornerback Darius Rush will sit since the numbers are just not there. Riley will play in the team’s dime packages with Rush out, even if he is capable in that role. Tackle Dylan Cook and defensive end DeMarvin Leal will also not dress. Isaiahh Loudermilk gets a helmet after not playing for the Steelers last week.
For the Bengals, everything is normal expect for Ja’Marr Chase being out with a shoulder injury. Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd will be asked to step up in big ways for the group with him out.