Steelers See Illness Hit Team Before Bengals Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a concerning issue emerging before getting set to play the Cincinnati Bengals on "Sunday Night Football" in a contest that will decide who leads the AFC North entering Week 11. 

On Friday, the Steelers listed Derrick Harmon as questionable to play the Bengals due to a foot injury. He was the only designation after being a full participant on Friday.

However, the Steelers had a sour update on Saturday morning, adding tight end Pat Freiermuth to the injury report for an illness. He's now questionable to play against the Bengals. Freiermuth leads the Steelers in touchdown receptions with four scores this season.

While Freiermuth is the only Pittsburgh player listed on the injury report for having an illness, there is always a concern that more players could deal with an illness if the issue is contagious. Sunday night's game isn't one that the Steelers want to go into with several players battling illness.

The Steelers have leaned on Freiermuth and fellow tight end Darnell Washington in the red zone. The two have combined for seven of the Steelers' 13 touchdown receptions. Those two players should be a big part of the game plan against the Bengals.

Steelers didn't add more pass-catching help at deadline

The Steelers had been connected to a few wide receivers before the trade deadline on Tuesday, including Josh Downs, who was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs by the Indianapolis Colts. 

Pittsburgh still needs help at wide receiver, and there are a few veteran players that should be available in the near future.

The Philadelphia Eagles released Hollywood Brown to waivers on Friday. The former first-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens had a solid season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025, but had not played a key role with the Eagles offense. He could be a solid playmaker for quarterback Aaron Rodgers if the Steelers want to sign him off waivers. 

Another option would be former Chiefs and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill was released by the Dolphins in the offseason and has been rehabbing from a season-ending knee injury in 2025. 

It remains to be seen if Hill would have the same speed that made him such a dangerous threat before the injury. If healthy, he could be a fun option for Rodgers. 

Regardless, the Steelers need to add a receiver who can be a threat to score touchdowns.