Starting cornerback Cortez Allen (ankle) and tight end Heath Miller (knee) won't play in the Steelers’ Monday night game in Cincinnati. They were ruled out after the Steelers' final practice of the week. William Gay will start in place of Allen and rookie safety Shamarko Thomas will serve as the team’s nickel back.
Allen did not practice all week after spraining his ankle in the Steelers’ season opener last Sunday.
Miller, the Steelers’ 2012 MVP, will miss another game as he works his way back from reconstructive knee surgery. Miller was again a limited participant in practice on Saturday, and said he does not have a timetable for when he will return.
David Paulson, David Johnson and Michael Palmer will play in a tight end rotation in Cincinnati. Offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum is also expected to play as a sixth lineman/eligible receiver against the Bengals.
Beachum had initially been tabbed to take over at center for injured Pro Bowler Maurkice Pouncey by coach Mike Tomlin. But it appears that Fernando Velasco, who signed with the Steelers last Monday, has picked up the playbook quickly enough to get the nod at center.
Starting nose tackle Steve McLendon (hamstring) and kicker Shaun Suisham (hamstring) are listed as probable after each were full participants in practice for a second day in a row.
Suisham appears to be good to go Monday night, and the Steelers have veteran Shayne Graham in case Suisham suffers a setback.
Running back Le’Veon Bell (foot) has been ruled out for Monday night while cornerbackCurtis Brown (illness) is listed as doubtful for the 8:40 p.m. game.
Brown practiced on a limited basis on Saturday.
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