Bengals Will Face Steelers With Roster Changes
Cincinnati adjusted its active roster ahead of Sunday's AFC North divisional matchup in Pittsburgh.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Football
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The Cincinnati Bengals will head into their September 28, 2026, game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a modified roster. Defensive tackle B.J. Hill is ruled out with Achilles soreness, while the team has elevated tight end Tanner Hudson and linebacker Joe Giles-Harris.
Why it matters
The team is currently navigating key personnel absences as they aim to reach a 3-0 start to the season for the first time since 2015. Strategic roster adjustments are essential to maintaining momentum against a long-time divisional rival.
Quarterback Joe Burrow carries a 4-3 career record against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team is chasing a 3-0 start, a feat not achieved by the franchise since the 2015 season.
The players
Joe Burrow
He is the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals who holds a 4-3 career record against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
B.J. Hill
He is a defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals who has been ruled inactive for the upcoming game due to Achilles soreness.
Tanner Hudson
He is a tight end who was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday's game.
Joe Giles-Harris
He is a linebacker who was added to the active roster to bolster the team's depth against the Steelers.
Andrei Iosivas
He is a wide receiver currently sidelined on the injured reserve list after undergoing thumb surgery.
The details
The Bengals have placed wide receiver Andrei Iosivas on injured reserve following thumb surgery, while Ke'Shawn Williams is active for the first time this season. Jonathan Allen remains available for play despite missing two recent practices due to a knee injury.
Timeline
2015 was the last time the Bengals started a season 3-0.
Week 3 of the 2021 season saw the Bengals beat the Steelers 24-10.
September 28, 2026, marks the date of the Bengals versus Steelers game.
The Big Picture
The current pursuit of a 3-0 record aligns with the standard set by the 2015 Bengals 3-0 season start. This early-season performance serves as a historical benchmark for the team's current competitive trajectory.
The absence of B.J. Hill and the elevation of depth players will significantly impact the defensive rotation and special teams alignment on Sunday. Fantasy managers should monitor these roster moves as they adjust lineups for the Week 3 matchup.
The takeaway
Maintaining roster depth during an injury-heavy period is crucial for teams attempting to sustain early-season win streaks. Fans should pay close attention to how new active players integrate into the lineup to compensate for key starters.
Further reading
For more on team developments, visit the Cincinnati Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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