Bengals get a boost of positive injury news to kick off Week 3 while key Steelers starter misses practice
The Cincinnati Bengals have begun practicing ahead of their first AFC North showdown of the 2026 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The first injury reports for both teams are illuminating regarding some of their best players.
The Cincinnati Bengals have begun practicing ahead of their first AFC North showdown of the 2026 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Below is Cincinnati’s first injury report of the week.
Bengals’ Wednesday injury report for Week 3
| Player | Injury | W/T/F | Designation |
| DT Jonathan Allen | Knee | DNP | – |
| DT B.J. Hil | Achilles | DNP | – |
| WR Andrei Iosivas | Thumb | DNP | – |
The good news here is that quarterback Joe Burrow is not listed. Burrow was limited for most of last week with a back injury. He was questionable to play in last Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans. He did play in that game, and said multiple times during that a sack helped pop his rib back in place.
Coach Zac Taylor told reporters prior to Wednesday’s practice the Burrow was sore, and that they’d “see how he gets through practice.” Based on the injury report, Burrow was a full participant and didn’t need any treatment.
That was not the case for defensive tackles Jonathan Allen (knee) and B.J. Hill (achilles). Taylor said that Allen would be out for “load management,” effectively giving him a rest day. It is interesting that he’s still listed with a knee injury. Hill missed week two with his achilles injury, but he does have a chance to play in Pittsburgh.
Wide receiver Andrei Iosivas (thumb) did not practice and will be on the injury report until he is officially placed on the Reserve/Injured list. Taylor confirmed Iosivas will miss at least four weeks after having surgery for a torn ligament in his thumb.
Steelers’ Wednesday injury report for Week 3
| Player | Injury | W/T/F | Designation |
| CB Jamel Dean | Ankle | DNP | – |
| RB Rico Dowdle | Toe | DNP | – |
| LB Cole Holcomb | Rest/Personal | DNP | – |
| WR Michael Pittman Jr. | Foot | Limited | – |
| CB Joey Porter Jr. | Rest/Conditioning | Limited | – |
| CB Jalen Ramsey | Rest | DNP | – |
| RB Jaylen Warren | Shoulder | Limited | – |
A couple Steelers players did not practice due to non-injury issues, but cornerback Jamel Dean (ankle) and running back Rico Dowdle (toe) were notable non-participants.
Dean is the key starter to note here. He initially injured his ankle in Week 1 and played most of Week 2 with it. Despite the ailment, he’s been their strongest member of the secondary so far. Dowdle was seen with a boot on his left foot.
Joey Porter Jr., who has not played yet this season and is looking for a new contract, was a limited participant.
