The Bengals had a host of key players sitting out on Wednesday.

Among them was starting left guard Clint Boling, who apparently has a knee issue that could compromise his availability. It is, however, possible that Boling’s issue is minor and this was more of a veteran’s rest day. The last thing this offensive line needs is its best player out for one of the biggest games of the season.

Also missing Wednesday was running back Giovani Bernard, who is likely out this week as he recovers from an MCL injury expected to sideline him another 1-3 weeks.

The good news is John Ross returned, though only as a limited participant. He was also limited last Wednesday before missing the next two days and was eventually declared inactive.

Backup tight end Tyler Kroft is in a walking boot and riding a scooter, so he’s almost certainly out this week, which is why the Bengals signed Matt Lengel.

As for the Steelers, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, cornerback Joe Haden and center Maurkice Pouncey got what were likely veteran’s rest days off on Wednesday.

Starting safety Morgan Burnett was unable to go due to a groin injury.