When Cedric Benson ran a sweep to the right with 4:02 left in the second quarter from the Bengals 28-yard line, you saw a running back that was slow, gimpy and gutting through an injury. It was concerning in that the Bengals have leaned on Cedric Benson all season to put together long-sustaining drives. Uh oh. This would be the last time we saw Benson take a handoff.
Yet, the apocalypse didn't come. Unless you're the Steelers offense.
It was later announced that Benson "was slowed by a sore hip flexor". Chris Mortensen tweeted that the injury is a hip flexor strain and writes that Benson says "he'll be ready for Raiders next Sunday."
Bernard Scott saw his most significant action in his career Sunday. Along with returning a kickoff for a touchdown as the game's only touchdown, Scott rushed 13 times for 33 yards including big-time runs with six minutes left in the game to keep the clock ticking. On the Bengals final scoring drive, Scott rushed five times for 16 yards. More importantly he picked up a rushing first down with 3:05 left in the game, forcing the Steelers to use two of their time outs. Scott said after that game:
Ced told me that I probably would finish the game because his hip was bothering him. I just go out every week and prepare like I’m the starter. You just try to work hard, and whenever my opportunity comes just try to take advantage of it. Just try to make plays and help the team win.
I would say he did that very well.