Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald is inactive with a shoulder injury for Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team reports. He was ruled out of the game on Saturday.

Fullback Roosevelt Nix (knee), linebacker Anthony Chickillo (foot), offensive lineman Fred Jackson, offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor, defensive end Isaiah Buggs and linebacker Vince Williams (hamstring) are also out of the Week 4 inter-divisional game.

With McDonald out, the Steelers will turn to Nick Vannett to take over the majority of tight end duties. The Steelers recently acquired Vannett from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2020 fifth-round pick.

Vannett earned plenty of reps heading into the game with McDonald out.

Article Continues Below
More Pittsburgh Steelers News
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) talk at mid-field before their game at Heinz Field.
Ben Roethlisberger makes bold prediction for Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers in 2025Zachary Weinberger ·
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during minicamp at their South Side facility.
Why Mike Tomlin is changing Steelers’ practice scheduleBenedetto Vitale ·
3 Pittsburgh Steelers underrated sleepers who could break out in 2025 NFL season
3 Pittsburgh Steelers underrated sleepers who could break out in 2025 NFL seasonRB Hayek ·
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) battles with Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
Steelers rumors: Ian Rapoport makes T.J. Watt contract predictionDouglas Fritz ·
T.J. Watt trade odds favor Eagles amid contract uncertainty
T.J. Watt trade odds favor Eagles amid contract uncertaintyChris Spiering ·
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks at the scoreboard against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers’ Mike Tomlin weighs in on T.J. Watt contract situationDouglas Fritz ·

“That is the easiest way for me to learn is be able to physically do the reps, run through it, go through my assignment rather than just read off a piece of paper,” said Vannett, via the team's official website. “I always learn better that way. It’s nice I was getting so many reps, but at the same time I have to make sure I am taking care of my body because I am getting so many reps.”

In addition to Vannett, the Steelers will utilize rookie Zach Gentry. His Steelers teammates have seen growth in the youngster.

“Zach has sort of matured a lot this week,” said McDonald. “His attitude, his mindset. And I think being in live action last week has helped him realize what it takes and stuff. It’s been cool to see that from him this week.”

The Steelers will also be without Xavier Grimble, who is on the reserved/injured list.