Steelers Rule Seven Players Out Against Bengals
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Cincinnati Bengals without five players, including two starters.
The Steelers announced safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) and Trenton Thompson (neck), quarterback Kenny Pickett (ankle), offensive tackle Dylan Cook, inside linebacker Blake Martinez, cornerback Darius Rush and defensive tackle DeMarvin Leal will be inactive against the Bengals.
The Steelers are without both of their starting safeties in Week 16 as Fitzpatrick misses time with a knee injury and Damontae Kazee has been suspended for the remainder of the season. With Thompson out as well, Pittsburgh will turn to cornerback Patrick Peterson to bump back, with Miles Killebrew, Elijah Riley and Eric Rowe alongside him.
Riley returned from Injured Reserve this week after missing time with an ankle injury. Rowe was elevated from the practice squad and is set to make his Steelers debut.
The Steelers will also test a new name at inside linebacker with Myles Jack being called up from the practice squad. Martinez being inactive will mean Elandon Roberts, Mark Robinson, Mykal Walker and Jack will operate the middle for Pittsburgh's defense.
Pittsburgh will turn to Mason Rudolph at quarterback this week with Pickett missing his third game. Mitch Trubisky is his backup. The team did not elevate Trace McSorley from the practice squad, meaning they will only have two QBs available.
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