The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to get back into the win column against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12. Unfortunately, they will be without a couple of key pieces on offense.
Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back James Conner have been ruled out versus the Bengals, via Missi Mathews of the team's official website:
Steelers Status Report vs. Bengals:
OUT – James Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster
DOUBTFUL: Artie Burns
Smith-Schuster picked up a concussion and a knee injury during the loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 11. While the knee was not considered to be too severe, there had already been some doubt about his status heading into this AFC North matchup with Cincinnati.
It is no secret that Smith-Schuster has struggled to step up as the bonafide No. 1 option in the passing game following the departure of wide receiver Antonio Brown. Although his underwhelming production is magnified by the loss of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger early in the year, he has still served as one of the few bright spots of this offense in Pittsburgh.
The absence of Smith-Schuster and Conner undoubtedly deals a crushing blow to the Steelers offense. Both players have taken on integral roles throughout the 2019 NFL season and their injuries will leave a notable void in the run game and the passing game for Pittsburgh in Week 12. Fortunately, there is still good reason for them to be optimistic about their chances on the road versus a Bengals team that is still looking for its first win of the year.
Follow Us
Subscribe