Bengals RB Brian Leonard Listed As Doubtful Against The Steelers

Bengals running back Brian Leonard is listed as doubtful for Cincinnati's division game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday Night, according to the team's injury report.

Yes. It was expected.

Missing three practices this week with a rib injury suffered against the Cleveland Browns is a clear indication of Leonard's chances as Marvin Lewis rarely allows players to play after missing a full week of practice. Doubtful leaves a minimal chance, but it's extremely unlikely. Or dare I say, doubtful.

Cedric Peerman will backup BenJarvus Green-Ellis and if both backs are out for one reason or another, Marvin Lewis told reporters that fullback Chris Pressley could get the call.

Steelers Starting Center Maurkice Pouncey Listed As Questionable

After leaving the game against the Tennessee Titans, starting center Maurkice Pouncey missed Wednesday's practice and "practiced lightly the past two days", writes Gerry Dulac with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. According to the team's official team report, Pouncey is currently listed as Questionable for this weekend's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

However strong safety Troy Polamalu, offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert, running backs Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman and linebacker Chris Carter have been listed as OUT on the team's official injury report.

Ben Roethlisberger Practices On Friday With "No Worries"

According to Gerry Dulac with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger "practiced with no worries" on Friday after suffering an ankle sprain during Thursday's practice.

Though there really wasn't ever any doubt, he'll start Sunday's game against the Bengals.

However, as we've mentioned in other posts, running backs Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman are out with Jonathan Dwyer expected to get the start.

Marvin Lewis: Bengals FB Chris Pressley Can Be Third RB If Brian Leonard Is Out

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis told reporters on Friday that if Brian Leonard can't go, then Chris Pressley can be the team's third running back.

UPDATE: Mendenhall And Redman Likely Out Against The Cincinnati Bengals

The PIttsburgh Steelers loss to the Tennessee Titans last weekend was costly.

Bengals RB Brian Leonard Sits During Friday's Practice

Bengals running back Brian Leonard completes the trifecta, sitting out during Friday's practice with a rib injury that he suffered against the Cleveland Browns last Sunday.

It's his third practice. Marvin Lewis rarely (if ever) allows players to play during a week after missing every practice that week; though Leonard wasn't expected to play anyway.

The bigger question is if the Bengals decide to go with two running backs or three this weekend against the Steelers. If they go with three, then they'll be forced to make a move, removing someone from the 53-man roster.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals Thursday Practice Report

The official practice report heading into this weekend's collision between AFC North rivals.

WR Armon Binns and RB Brian Leonard Out During Thursday's Practice

After the birth of his daughter Jaylynn, defensive end and/or linebacker (can we pick one?!) Dontay Moch returned to practice on Thursday.

On the other hand Armon Binns and Brian Leonard were both out, yet reportedly riding the bikes on the side. Leonard injured his ribs against the Cleveland Browns last weekend and no one knows why Binns was out. Though he was at the practice field so we're not going to immediately assume another pregnancy going into labor.

Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Injures Foot During Thursday's Practice

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger reportedly left practice Thursday after suffering a foot injury. The quarterback told Ed Bouchette with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that "he is fine." Bouchette also added that he doesn't believe the injury will have much of an impact this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Cincinnati Bengals have posted 65 quarterback sacks dating back to 2011, tops in the AFC during that span and four more than second-place Houston Texans. They're currently second in the league with 20 sacks this year.

The Steelers have already ruled out three players this weekend, including safety Troy Polamalu and offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert.

Bengals LB/DE Dontay Moch Becomes A New Father

Bengals defensive lineman and linebacker Dontay Moch becomes a new father after his girlfriend gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

Steelers Troy Polamalu And Offensive Tackle Marcus Gilbert Already Ruled Out

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has already ruled safety Troy Polamalu (calf), offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle) and linebacker Chris Carter (hamstring) out this week against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football. According to Steelers.com:

Gilbert left last Thursday’s game against the Tennessee Titans with an ankle injury, and after seeing a specialist in Charlotte, North Carolina on Monday it was determined he won’t have to have surgery.

"He has a tendon injury in his ankle," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "It does not require surgery. He is week to week. He will be out this week. But it was a positive meeting in that the injury does not require surgery."

Former Bengals linebacker Brandon Johnson is already being "characterized" by Tomlin as "questionable".

Bengals Defensive End/Linebacker Dontay Moch Sits During Wednesday's Practice

Along with Brian Leonard sitting out on Wednesday, Bengals linebacker and defensive end Dontay Moch was also out during Wednesday's practice with an unknown ailment. Moch also missed Thursday's practice against the Cleveland Browns, but returned with full participation on Friday and played a handful of defensive snaps.

When asked what the problem was, and if it was related to his migraine headaches that he's suffered in the past, head coach Marvin Lewis simply called it "an illness."

Bengals RB Brian Leonard Misses Wednesday's Practice

Cincinnati Bengals running back Brian Leonard sat out during Wednesday's practice with a rib injury.