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With seemingly a lost season on their hands, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be without tight end Vance McDonald for their Monday night matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Roundup: Steelers TE Vance McDonald (shoulder) doubtful to play Monday vs. Bengalshttps://t.co/PRVWaBJ1g4 pic.twitter.com/BUyIqvJpsD
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) September 28, 2019
Although McDonald hasn't gone for over 40 yards yet this season, his presence in the red zone is something that young quarterback Mason Rudolph will miss. Behind McDonald was supposed to be Xavier Grimble, but he was put on IR due to a calf injury he sustained last Sunday.
Newly acquired Steeler Nick Vannett will pick up the pieces of a depleted position as he looks to give Rudolph some help on the offensive side. So far, Vannett seems to be fitting in well with the team, looking to make a bigger impact with the Steelers than he did in Seattle.
Other than Vannett, Zach Gentry could see some meaningful snaps on Monday night, being the only other healthy tight end on the roster. We will see how often Rudolph looks to his tight ends during the game, as the Bengals have allowed 10 receptions for 152 yards to opposing tight ends this season.
Other offensive weapons like Juju Smith-Schuster and James Conner will look to step up their production with McDonald out. Cincinnati is one of the league's worst run defenses and the Steelers will no doubt look to their bell-cow back early and often.
With both teams desperate to lock up their first victory of the season, Monday night's game will be a competitive matchup to watch, albeit maybe not the prettiest.
