Pittsburgh Steelers slated to catch two huge breaks for Week 11 vs. Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line is slated to have a bit easier of a job in the Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

According to Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is still doubtful for Sunday's AFC North showdown due to a hip injury.

In addition, rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart is considered week to week with his knee injury, which was sustained in the Week 9 loss to the Chicago Bears.

"Trey Hendrickson doubtful, Shemar Stewart 'week to week,'" The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. reported after Taylor gave the injury updates.

If Hendrickson does indeed sit, the Steelers will have avoided one of the best edge rushers in the NFL twice this season. Hendrickson also sat out the Week 7 game against the Steelers with the same hip injury.

Stewart did play in the last meeting with Pittsburgh, although he didn't do anything, as he was blanked on the stat sheet. Nevertheless, his absence in Week 11 leaves an already short Bengals edge rusher group in an even more precarious spot.

Stewart's and Hendrickson's absences will make the lives of Broderick Jones and Troy Fatanu much easier, and the same can really be said for the entire offensive line and the team's tight ends, as Pittsburgh's tackles shouldn't need extra help this week to protect Aaron Rodgers.

This game amounts to a massively important one for both teams.

The Steelers' lead in the AFC North has shrunk, with the Baltimore Ravens and the Bengals just one and two games behind them, respectively.

Both teams are also riding some momentum, as the Ravens have Lamar Jackson back and have won three straight.

Meanwhile, the Bengals designated Joe Burrow to return from injured reserve this week and are close to getting him back for the stretch run of the season.

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