Bengals Prepare for Steelers Matchup Short-Handed

The Cincinnati Bengals are preparing for a crucial AFC North matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they will do so without several important players. The absence of multiple starters has become a familiar storyline this season, and Sunday will be no exception. Despite encouraging signs from injured quarterback Joe Burrow, the Bengals remain in a holding pattern as they await his full return.

On defense, Cincinnati continues to navigate significant losses up front, a challenge that has strained depth and forced younger players into larger roles. Injuries to cornerstone pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and promising rookie Shemar Stewart have created further uncertainty for a unit still searching for cohesion.

Offensively, consistency remains elusive as veteran quarterback Joe Flacco prepares for yet another start. With the team sitting at 3–6, the Bengals are approaching every game with heightened urgency as their margin for error continues to shrink.

This week’s meeting with Pittsburgh, the AFC North leader at 5–4, offers both a test and an opportunity. A win could keep Cincinnati’s hopes alive, while another loss would deepen the challenge ahead.

1. Injury Challenges Grow

Trey Hendrickson’s continued absence adds another major blow to a defense already dealing with recurring injuries. After missing last week with hip and pelvis issues, the defensive end has officially been ruled out once again. His week-to-week designation leaves his return timeline unclear, and his absence marks his third missed game of the season. Hendrickson’s injury history this year has been complicated. After hurting his back in Week 6, he missed Week 7 before returning against the Jets in Week 8—only to aggravate a separate hip issue that forced him out of the second half. Since then, the Bengals have struggled to recapture their rhythm rushing the passer. The situation worsened with rookie Shemar Stewart sidelined by a knee injury suffered against the Bears. While Stewart has been seen rehabbing during practice sessions, there remains no set timetable for his return. His loss further depletes a rotation that has been tested early and often. In the meantime, Cincinnati will rely on players like Cedric Johnson to fill the gap. The coaching staff has expressed confidence in the young defender, but replacing the production of Hendrickson—and the promising flashes from Stewart—will be no small task.

2. Burrow Still Progressing, But Not Ready

On offense, Joe Burrow’s return to practice generated optimism, but the quarterback remains sidelined. Still recovering from a toe injury sustained in Week 2, Burrow has been ruled out once again as he continues working toward full health. While his presence on the practice field is encouraging, he remains on injured reserve and is still several steps away from reclaiming the starting job. In his absence, veteran Joe Flacco will continue to lead the offense. Sunday marks his fifth start with Cincinnati, a stretch defined by both promising moments and inconsistency. The Bengals have struggled to find steady rhythm without Burrow, but Flacco’s experience has at least provided stability at the position. The coaching staff has maintained that Burrow is progressing as expected, though no concrete timeline has been provided. The uncertainty has forced Cincinnati to adapt weekly, shifting offensive responsibilities and trying to build chemistry on the fly. Every week without Burrow increases the pressure on Cincinnati’s supporting cast—receivers, running backs, linemen—to elevate their play as the team works to stay afloat in a competitive division.

3. Divisional Stakes Heighten Urgency

At 3–6, the Bengals face steep odds but remain within striking distance thanks to parity in the AFC North. The Steelers, who currently sit atop the division at 5–4, represent both a challenge and an opening for Cincinnati to close the gap. The Bengals’ path forward hinges on their ability to compete in divisional matchups, particularly while they remain short-handed. A strong performance against Pittsburgh could signal the team’s resilience and keep postseason hopes alive, even as injuries continue to mount. Defensively, Cincinnati must find ways to generate pressure without Hendrickson and Stewart. The coaching staff has emphasized discipline and team-wide execution to compensate for missing pieces along the front. Offensively, sustaining drives and limiting mistakes will be crucial. Flacco’s experience in high-pressure games may give Cincinnati a fighting chance, but the team will need improved efficiency across the board to keep pace with Pittsburgh.