While the short week in Week 12 was unkind to the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading to an unfortunate loss to Cleveland, the extended time into Week 13 has given the team time to heal up in the middle of this grueling late-season schedule.
The Steelers have dealt with many injuries, particularly at edge rusher, but they hope to get back Alex Highsmith this week from an ankle injury. That would give the Steelers a full complement at the position and allow the defense to bring pressure against Joe Burrow, who has been sacked 26 times this season.
On the other side of the ball, Pittsburgh is back to full strength, only missing the few players who have landed on injured reserve. Guard Isaac Seumalo was the only offensive player listed on the injury report, and that was for veteran rest.
Full inactive list for Steelers in Week 13 matchup vs. Bengals
Player | Status |
|---|---|
Kyle Allen | Inactive - *Emergency 3rd QB |
Scotty Miller | Inactive |
Jonathan Ward | Inactive |
Max Scharping | Inactive |
Alex Highsmith | Out - Ankle |
Key absences and their impact
Offensive Impacts
The Steelers will have little excuse not to stay competitive offensively. No full-time contributors outside of those already on injured reserve are missing this contest. The Bengals bring the 28th-ranked defense in terms of points per game and the 23rd-ranked in terms of yards per game.
Defensive Impacts
Alex Highsmith won't be able to play in this one. He was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday and missed Wednesday altogether. It's the sixth game he's missed this season.
Full inactive list for the Cincinnati Bengals
Player | Status |
|---|---|
Logan Wilson | Out - Knee |
Sheldon Rankins | Out - Illness |
Charlie Jones | Out - Groin |
Tanner McLachlan | Inactive |
Trenton Irwin | Inactive |
What to Know
Linebacker Logan Wilson is missing his first game of the season. As one of the better talents on a struggling defense, this could open opportunities for the Steelers' offense. The Bengals are 20th in the NFL in rush yards allowed per game. That unit will be weaker without Wilson manning the middle of the defense.