It is becoming increasingly clear that the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night without veteran tight end Vance McDonald.
McDonald did not practice for the second day in a row because of a shoulder injury he sustained last Sunday in the Steelers’ 24-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
If McDonald can’t play, the tight ends available for the game Monday night are Nick Vannett, who was acquired from the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday, and rookie Zach Gentry, who has 10 career NFL snaps.
The Steelers could promote one of their tight ends on the practice squad. They added former Notre Dame tight end Alize Mack on Tuesday and also have Pine-Richland’s Kevin Rader and international player Christian Scotland-Williamson on the practice squad.
The Steelers will hold their final practice of the week Saturday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Inside linebacker Vince Williams (hamstring) and outside linebacker Anthony Chickillo (foot) also did not practice Friday, but cornerback Joe Haden returned after missing the previous day with a shoulder injury. Fullback Roosevelt Nix also didn’t practice and already has been ruled out by coach Mike Tomlin.
Inside linebacker Mark Barron returned from a scheduled day off Thursday and was a full practice participant. Center Maurkice Pouncey practiced after being rested the previous day, and veteran guard Ramon Foster was given the day off Friday.
Outside linebacker Jayrone Elliott was limited in practice for the second day in a row.
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