*JuJu Smith-Schuster – Noteworthy
WR Juju Smith-Schuster led the Steelers with seven receptions for 111 yards, including three catches and the two-point conversion on the game-winning drive in Sunday’s 28-21 win at Cincinnati.
Antonio Brown – Noteworthy
WR Antonio Brown finished with five catches for 105 yards in Sunday’s 28-21 win over Cincinnati.
Ben Roethlisberger – Noteworthy
QB Ben Roethlisberger connected with Antonio Brown on a dramatic 31-yard touchdown with 10 seconds remaining to give the Pittsburgh Steelers a 28-21 win over the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday afternoon at Paul Brown Stadium. Roethlisberger completed 32 of 46 passes for 369 yards and pulled off his 44th career game-winning drive.
Le’Veon Bell – Important
RB Le’Veon Bell has kept the Pittsburgh Steelers in the dark despite the star running back’s claim that he plans to report to the club prior to its game on Oct. 28, ESPN reported on Sunday. Bell hasn’t revealed his hand as to exactly when he plans to return prior to the Steelers’ game against the Cleveland Browns. He could return any time between Monday and Oct. 22, ESPN reported, citing sources. The Steelers (2-2-1) will visit the Cincinnati Bengals (4-1) on Sunday before heading into their bye week. A mandate in the collective bargaining agreement says players must have four consecutive days off during their bye week. Bell has yet to sign his $14.5 million franchise tag with the Steelers, who have turned to James Conner in his absence. Conner has rushed 84 times for 342 yards and five touchdowns to go along with 22 receptions for 239 yards this season.
Ryan Shazier – Important – Injury
LB Ryan Shazier returned to Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday for the first time since sustaining a career-threatening spinal injury last season versus the Cincinnati Bengals. Shazier was seriously injured while making a tackle against the Bengals on Dec. 4. He was stretchered off the field and was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center, which he visited on Saturday night. The 26-year-old Shazier underwent spinal stabilization surgery two days after his injury and began to regain feeling in his legs in early January. “It’s been a long journey, but this is still a ways to go. But it all started here in Cincinnati,” Shazier wrote on Twitter while posting a video. “Today was an amazing day I was so thankful to be able to tell everyone thank you. #Shalieve”