Defensive starter declared out and a game-time decision looms for another

The bye week of practice is in the books for the Cincinnati Bengals, and they have already announced one player who will not dress Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bengals Friday Injury Report

Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (illness) is officially out for the second straight game. Rankins missed practice all week with what head coach Zac Taylor labeled as a "viral illness." Rankins' snaps will once again go to rookies Kris Jenkins Jr. and McKinnley Jackson with Jay Tufele filling in the cracks. B.J. Hill (knee) will play and start. 

Left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (fibula) and linebacker Logan Wilson (knee) are officially questionable. Taylor said Brown is in "good shape" to play. Wilson may be a game-time decision in comparison as he did not practice Friday. 

Brown has missed the last three games, which led the way to Devin Cochran being elevated off the practice squad in all three weeks. The team can no longer elevate Cochran, so they ended up signing him to the active roster Friday. A spot was cleared yesterday when Andrew Stueber was released. 

Cochran now gives the Bengals four tackles available on the active roster. Brown and Amarius Mims will start together for the first time since Week 8, and Cody Ford and Cochran will back them up. 

Wide receiver Charlie Jones (groin) has also been out for three weeks and he's doubtful to play Sunday. He was one of three absences from Friday's practice along with Rankins and Wilson. 

Steelers Friday Injury Report

 

The Steelers have declared cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (ankle) and defensive tackle Montravious Adams (knee) out for Sunday's game. Both players were limited the last two days of practice. Edge defender Alex Highsmith (ankle) has also been limited since not practicing at all Wednesday and is considered doubtful. Everyone else is good to play including safety Damontae Kazee (illness) and defensive tackle Keanu Benton (hip).