The Pittsburgh Steelers are closing in on a key divisional win over the Cincinnati Bengals. They already have Mason Rudolph in the game as Aaron Rodgers nurses a left hand injury. They will also have to close it out without defensive back Jalen Ramsey, who was ejected for punching Cincinnati wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase in between plays.

Ramsey and Chase spent most of the game jawing back and forth while lined up against each other. Chase had just two catches for 14 yards at the time of the ejection, so it was a one-sided matchup. That led to frustrations boiling over, Ramsey throwing a punch, and the Bengals getting a free first down.

The Steelers came into the game 5-4, needing a win to extend their lead in the AFC North. With a matchup against the Baltimore Ravens looming, a win would be huge toward keeping Baltimore at bay. Without Rodgers, the offense has not done much. But the defense has stood up to Joe Flacco's attack for the entire second half.

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Flacco and the Bengals may not have enough time to take advantage of Ramsey's absence. With the fourth quarter ticking away, they need to find either Chase or Tee Higgins deep to flip this game around. And more players than just Ramsey have been playing well on Sunday. Kyle Duggar is looming in the secondary after a pick-six earlier in the game.

The Bengals opened up Joe Burrow's practice window this week, creating the possibility of a Thanksgiving night return. But if Cincinnati cannot pick up wins between now and then, it may not be worth it to rush the return of the franchise quarterback. This game against Pittsburgh may be the one that cancels the chance of Burrow's return.

The Steelers and Bengals are finishing out their AFC North battle.