In an unfortunate turn of events, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be without several key players in their upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Quarterback Kenny Pickett and safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and Trenton Thompson have been ruled out due to injuries, leaving the Steelers with depleted positions on the field. The team will also be missing their starting safety Damontae Kazee, who is serving a suspension.

To address these setbacks, the Steelers will be relying on veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson, who has shown versatility by playing safety in certain defensive packages. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin expressed confidence in Peterson's ability to step up in this new role, highlighting his skillset and willingness to contribute to the team.

Linebacker T.J. Watt praised Peterson's dedication to the team, recognizing his willingness to transition from being a standout cornerback to playing safety. Peterson's ability to adapt and make impactful plays from the new position is seen as crucial for the Steelers' success.

In the absence of Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph will once again step in as the starting quarterback. Offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner expressed confidence in Rudolph's abilities, citing his previous experience as a starter during the 2019 season. The Steelers are hopeful that Rudolph's professionalism and prior success will help him execute the team's offensive game plan effectively.

In an effort to address their roster deficiencies, the Steelers made several roster moves on Friday. Defensive back Elijah Riley was activated from the Reserve/Injured List, while linebacker Kyron Johnson was signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. Additionally, linebacker Myles Jack and safety Eric Rowe were elevated from the practice squad to the Active/Inactive Roster for the game.

Riley's return comes after being sidelined since November 20 due to an injury suffered in a game against the Cleveland Browns. With six tackles, including a sack and two tackles for loss, Riley's presence on the field will be crucial for the Steelers' defensive unit.

Johnson, a sixth-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, offers depth at the linebacker position and has mainly contributed on special teams. Jack, who briefly retired before the season after being with the Steelers in the past, brings valuable experience and a strong performance record from his previous seasons with the team.

The Steelers will need to rely on these added reinforcements to compensate for the absence of several key players and maintain their competitive edge against the Bengals.

In other news, Pro Bowl voting is now open for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games. Fans have the opportunity to vote for their favorite Steelers players until December 25. During the final two weeks of voting, fans can cast their votes through various platforms, including social media, by using #ProBowlVote and the player's first and last name.

Despite the challenges posed by injuries and suspensions, the Steelers remain determined to put forth a strong performance against the Bengals and secure a victory. The team's resilience and adaptability will be put to the test as they battle through adversity on the field.