With the week the Steelers have been through, today's inactives are in some ways more about who is active and ready to play than who is inactive.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 List on Saturday, is active and will play today against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field.
"It's definitely different than years past," said Roethlisberger. "Typically, when I haven't practiced, I am at least on the field, behind the quarterbacks, hearing the calls that were made, hearing the play call coming in from the coach, (Maurkice) Pouncey's calls. Things like that.
"As Coach (Mike) Tomlin would say the in-helmet perspective. If you are not out there, at least you can hear it and be a part of it. It was definitely different. I watched every play of practice, but you watch on you iPad at home, so you don't get to hear all of those things. It was definitely different than anything I have experienced before.
In addition to Roethlisberger, linebacker Vince Williams, offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins and running back Jaylen Samuels, who were also activated from the list, are also active today and will play.
Another welcome sight is the return of nose tackle Tyson Alualu, who missed last week's game with a knee injury. Carlos Davis and Henry Mondeaux will also be active to provide depth on the line.
"Tyson is a great player for us," said linebacker T.J. Watt. "He is a great asset inside against the run and in the passing game. A guy that is a well-seasoned veteran. Just a great guy to have in the line if we have him this week."
With tight end Vance McDonald still on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, Zach Gentry will be active today. Also active today is safety Antoine Brooks Jr., who was activated to the 53-man roster on Saturday as a COVD-19 replacement when offensive lineman Kevin Dotson was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 List.
On the flip side, the Steelers will be without cornerback Mike Hilton, missing his fourth straight game with a shoulder injury, and defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs, who battled an ankle injury all week. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs, running back Anthony McFarland, who missed two days of practice with an illness, and linebacker Jayrone Elliott are also inactive.
The full list of inactives is below.
Steelers Inactives
No. 5 QB Josh Dobbs
No. 26 RB Anthony McFarland
No. 28 DB Mike Hilton
No. 45 Jayrone Elliott
No. 96 DE Isaiah Buggs
Bengals Inactives
No. 3 K Austin Seibert
No. 28 RB Joe Mixon
No. 38 CB LeShaun Sims
No. 65 Keaton Sutherland
No. 68 OL Bobby Hart
No. 97 DT Geno Atkins
