The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into their crucial Week 7 clash against the Cincinnati Bengals tonight, but with a significant setback: two vital members of their special teams squad will be sidelined, potentially tipping the balance in this intense AFC North showdown. Imagine a football team like a finely tuned machine—every part counts—and now, key gears are missing. For those new to the game, special teams are the unsung heroes who handle punts, kickoffs, and field goals, often making the difference in close games. But here's where it gets intriguing: how much does losing these players really hurt, and what sacrifices are players willing to make to keep the team strong? Stick around to see how the Steelers plan to adapt.
The Steelers will be without special teams captain Miles Killebrew, who suffered a serious knee injury during last week's game against the Cleveland Browns and was just added to the Reserve/Injured List. Also out is receiver and returner Calvin Austin III, nursing a shoulder injury from the matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, marking his second straight absence. On the Bengals' side, they'll miss starting defensive end Trey Hendrickson and starting cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, which could open up opportunities for the Steelers' offense.
With Killebrew sidelined, the team is relying on a collective effort from a diverse group of players—both seasoned veterans and promising rookies—to fill the gap. Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward emphasized this team-oriented approach in a recent interview, saying, 'It's like we always discuss with other positions; it's handled by a committee. A bunch of guys need to rise to the occasion, including Ben Skowronek, Connor Heyward, Carson Bruener, Jack Sawyer, and James Pierre. These are just a few names, but each one plays an essential role, and we depend on them all to maintain their peak performance.' This setup highlights how football isn't just about star players; it's about the depth and unity of the roster, especially on special teams where one blocked punt or a perfect return can swing a game's momentum.
And this is the part most people miss: the inspiring story of cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who defied expectations by suiting up last week despite a hamstring strain from the Vikings game, even after skipping several practice sessions. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with his extensive NFL wisdom, commended Ramsey's dedication, noting how it boosted morale across the locker room. Coach Mike Tomlin echoed this sentiment in a chat with Bob Labriola for steelers.com and the pregame radio show, explaining, 'Aaron's perspective is spot on, especially given his over 20 years in the league—he recognizes true grit when he sees it. As I always say, it's not just about your abilities; it's about your determination. Jalen showed that to his QB and teammates, embodying pure willpower by pushing through despite not being at full strength. In modern football, players face immense scrutiny for their decisions, and it takes real courage to perform under less-than-ideal conditions without worrying about a subpar outing derailing their reputation. He refused to let doubts hold him back, choosing to stand by his teammates. Those who've been in the game for years truly value this kind of commitment.'
For beginners, think of this as a real-life example of resilience: Ramsey's choice to play injured underscores the mental and physical demands of professional sports, where team loyalty often trumps personal health risks. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this heroic dedication worth the potential long-term damage to a player's career, or should teams prioritize rest to avoid burnout? It's a debate that stirs passion among fans and experts alike.
On a brighter note, safety DeShon Elliott received an upgrade from questionable to no designation on Thursday, and he's set to take the field tonight. Interestingly, Elliott didn't accompany the team on their Wednesday trip to Cincinnati due to personal matters but joined them in the city the following day, ready to contribute.
Here's the complete roster of inactives for clarity:
Steelers Inactives
- No. 19 WR Calvin Austin III
- No. 71 G Andrus Peat
- No. 91 DL Logan Lee
- No. 98 DE DeMarvin Leal
Bengals Inactives
- No. 29 CB Cam Taylor-Britt
- No. 65 C Matt Lee
- No. 81 WR Jermaine Burton
- No. 87 TE Tanner Hudson
- No. 91 DE Trey Hendrickson
- No. 93 DT McKinnley Jackson
Finally, if you're a fan eager to catch every thrilling moment without missing a beat, NFL+ is your go-to platform. It lets you stream Steelers games live from anywhere on your mobile device, including local and primetime regular-season matchups, plus extras like NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio, and more—all bundled conveniently in one spot. Whether you're on the road or at home, stay connected to the action!
What do you think? Should athletes like Ramsey push through injuries for the team, or is player safety more important in today's game? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the 'play through it' mentality, or does it raise red flags for you?
