Fansided

Bengals at Steelers: Week 2 inactives

By James Dudko

Jul 29, 2016; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton (11) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2016; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton (11) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Markus Wheaton won’t be available for the Pittsburgh Steelers offense in Week 2. Meanwhile, opponents the Cincinnati Bengals will also miss tight end Tyler Eifert.

The omissions of both  players could blunt the offensive potency of two potentially prolific units. Eifert is missing, along with rookie guard Christian Westerman, according to Jay Morrison of the Cox Media Group:

The Bengals are sure to be tested up front by a Steelers defense that loves to pressure Andy Dalton. Still, reading and reacting to Pittsburgh’s sometimes complicated zone-pressure looks may have proved too much for a rookie.

The Cincy O-line is already strong inside, thanks to guards Clint Boling and Kevin Zeitler.

One bit of news that should worry the Bengals front is that inside linebacker Ryan Shazier will play. He’s a terrific player, with the ability to cause havoc when he attacks inside gaps on the blitz.

Wheaton is the only notable inactive for the Steelers. There’s no doubt quarterback Ben Roethlisberger would love to have the wide receiver’s burning deep speed available.

Still, Roethlisberger is not short of weapons. Not when Antonio Brown and Sammie Coates are available for his passes. Not when he can hand off to veteran workhorse DeAngelo Williams.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette provided the full list of inactives for the Steelers:

There isn’t really anybody on the list Pittsburgh should miss, except maybe backup center Cody Wallace. He’s a swing reserve along the interior of the offensive line, somebody who may be needed against the Bengals.

The Cincinnati defense is deep and talented up front, especially inside. Geno Atkins is a dominant force, but Domata Peko and Pat Sims can also clog running lanes and give blockers a hard time.

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Controlling this trio will be the key to a Steelers win. If they can do it, the Black and Gold can ensure running room for Williams and time to throw for Roethlisberger.

Those two things will create the balance the Steelers used to amass 38 points against the Washington Redskins in Week 1.

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