A Pittsburgh Steelers defense that hovered around the top 10 in stopping the run early in the season has dropped to No. 28 in the wake of the Cincinnati Bengals amassing 198 yards Sunday.

Opponents are averaging 195 rushing yards during the Steelers’ 0-2-1 streak, and that’s an ominous sign with the Baltimore Ravens, the NFL’s second-ranked rushing team, visiting Heinz Field on Sunday.

In an attempt to stem the bleeding, the Steelers had Cameron Heyward line up at nose tackle at the outset of the game against the Bengals. Isaiah Buggs, the listed starter at nose tackle since Tyson Alualu’s season-ending injury, was a healthy scratch, and Tomlin attributed his absence to the Steelers wanting to play more nickel defense.

In an indication that Buggs is in the doghouse, he was demoted to second team on Tomlin’s official depth chart that was released Tuesday. Tomlin rarely makes alterations to his depth chart unless a long-term injury is involved. Henry Mondeaux is listed as the first-team nose tackle.

Other changes might be coming on the defensive line. Carlos Davis could be activated from injured reserve after being cleared to practice Nov. 18. And the Steelers signed defensive tackle Montravius Adams to the 53-man roster. He had been on the New Orleans practice squad.

“Both guys are capable,” Tomlin said. “Adams has a few more hurdles to clear because learning what to do is a component of it. Carlos has been practicing, so we’ll continue to monitor his progress.”

Adams is a former third-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2017, and he played 45 games there before he was claimed off waivers by the Saints this year. Adams spent five games on the active roster before he was released and re-signed to the practice squad.

Defensive end Stephon Tuitt has spent all season on injured reserve after having knee surgery in training camp. With six weeks remaining, it’s unlikely that Tuitt will be activated because players typically take advantage of the entire three-week practice period before they are added to the 53-man roster.

“I haven’t given it a six-week perspective,” Tomlin said. “I have a Ravens Week perspective. He won’t be available to us this week. The people that have my attention are the ones who will be.”

Injury update

Cornerback Joe Haden (foot) could return from a two-game absence, which would return second-year corner James Pierre to his role in subpackages. But a week after getting T.J. Watt back in the lineup, the Steelers could be without him given that he was placed on the reserve/covid list Monday.

Another linebacker who could be missing Sunday is Robert Spillane, who sprained his knee early against the Bengals and did not return. Tomlin said Spillane is “less than available.”

Tight end Pat Freiermuth is in the concussion protocol, and long snapper Christian Kuntz is dealing with a hip injury.

Lining up

Tomlin’s unhappiness with his team’s physical play could lead to changes on the offensive line. The Steelers are down to their third-team left guard with Kevin Dotson and J.C. Hassenauer on injured reserve, but Zach Banner could return to right tackle after serving as an extra blocker on a pair of snaps against the Bengals. That would send Chuks Okorafor to left tackle in place of rookie Dan Moore or to the bench.

“We’re open to schematic changes. We’re open to personnel changes,” Tomlin said. “We have to be, in an effort to put ourselves in the very best position to be successful. That’s just common sense.”

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