Pittsburgh Steelers Summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing challenging times as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. According to the latest injury report, edge rusher Alex Highsmith has missed his second consecutive practice due to a pectoral injury, raising concerns about his availability for the game on Sunday.

This situation is compounded by the team's recent performance, which has led to a dip in power rankings, with some analysts labeling the Steelers as pretenders following their 25-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Observers note that the Steelers have struggled significantly on third downs, continuing a trend that has plagued them throughout the season. In light of these challenges, head coach Mike Tomlin has expressed praise for cornerback James Pierre, highlighting his improvement as a bright spot in the defense.

Meanwhile, former Steelers player Asante Samuel Sr. has voiced his opinion on the struggles of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, suggesting that if his poor performance continues, a switch might be necessary.

This sentiment follows a particularly dismal game for Rodgers against the Chargers, where he failed to impress with just 161 passing yards. As the Steelers prepare for their crucial game against the Bengals, the weather could play a role, with windy conditions expected in Pittsburgh potentially benefiting their game plan.

Fans are also weighing in through SB Nation Reacts, discussing whether the Steelers are on the rise or if their recent performances indicate a decline. Overall, the Steelers are looking to rebound against the Bengals in what has been termed a must-win game for both teams, particularly for Cincinnati as they aim to secure a stronger position in the AFC North.