Steelers TE Eric Ebron Leaves Game vs. Bengals with Back Injury

CINCINNATI — Steelers tight end Eric Ebron left the game after taking a hard hit in the second quarter of the team’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals and had to be carted off the field.

The team announced that Ebron will not return with a back injury.

Ebron was caught between defenders after tipped pass in the second quarter, and stayed down on the field after the play. After walking to the sideline, Ebron was taken off the field on a cart for evaluated.

The Steelers have just two tight ends on the roster after releasing third tight end Kevin Rader earlier on Monday. Usual third tight end Zach Gentry is on the injured reserve list. Tackle Gerald Hawkins filled in for Ebron at tight end after he left the game, alongside Vance McDonald.

Ebron is the third Pittsburgh player to leave the game with injury, following fullback Derek Watt (possible concussion) and inside linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III (ankle). Watt and Gilbert are listed as questionable to return.