Steelers Will Be Missing 2 Important Starting Defenders In Rematch With Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday for the second time in the 2025 season. Pittsburgh lost the first matchup to the Bengals earlier in the season, and the Steelers are 1-2 since that loss. The Steelers desperately need to get back in the win column as their lead in the AFC North has dropped to just one game, but that will be hard to do against the potent offense of the Bengals, especially with the Steelers' offense struggling mightily over the last two weeks.

Pittsburgh's defense was horrendous during the last matchup with Cincinnati. The group gave up 33 points and couldn't find a way to stop the Bengals on the ground or through the air. Fans are hoping for a different outcome on Sunday, but that is going to be hard to come by as Pittsburgh is dealing with some significant injuries on that side of the football. The franchise's injury report came out on Friday, and Alex Highsmith, Darius Slay, and Cole Holcomb were all ruled out for the rematch with Cincinnati.

Slay exited Pittsburgh's Week 10 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers as he was being evaluated for a concussion, and he has been in the league's concussion protocol throughout the week. Hopefully he can return in Week 12, but he will miss the matchup with the Bengals. The same goes for Highsmith who is dealing with a pectoral injury.

Holcomb will also miss his third straight game due to an illness, but he did return to the practice field this week which should allow for him to return in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. The Slay and Highsmith news is much more significant as those are two regular starters for Pittsburgh, and Highsmith has been playing well in recent weeks when it comes to getting to the passer. 

Cincinnati rosters arguably the best wide receiver duo in the league, which is why a good pass rush and coverage are so vital when it comes to beating them. The Steelers will have to find a way to do that without Highsmith. Nick Herbig will see the field more due to Highsmith's absence, which isn't necessarily a bad thing as he has played well throughout his young career and has seemed to take another step forward in 2025. Slay will likely be replaced in the starting lineup by James Pierre, as the coaching staff seems to like keeping Jalen Ramsey at safety.

Pierre has played well in 2025 despite seeing limited opportunities. He is currently eighth in the league when it comes to pass breakups, but he should be prepared to be targeted quite a bit while going up against a veteran quarterback.

Steelers Also Facing Injury Questions Along The Offensive Line

The left side of the offensive line is a little banged up in Pittsburgh. Broderick Jones was dealing with a groin injury throughout the week, but he should be ready to go on Sunday, while Isaac Seumalo is in danger of missing his second straight game as he has been ruled questionable. The veteran guard has been fighting a nagging pectoral injury, and he has exited games in recent weeks for that issue. He missed Pittsburgh's game against the Chargers in Week 10.

Spencer Anderson filled in at left guard, but he gave up four pressures in the loss to Los Angeles, which is concerning for this matchup with Cincinnati. This could also affect Pittsburgh's "jumbo package," which has been a big key for the offense when it comes to running the ball well.

How do you feel about the rematch with the Bengals with Highsmith and Slay ruled out? Let us know in the comments below!

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