We’ll have to keep waiting for the next meeting between old friends Keith Rivers and Hines Ward.
The Bengals linebacker won’t be on the field in Pittsburgh on Sunday because of a calf injury and/or illness. Brandon Johnson will take his place in the starting lineup and will presumably be keeping his head on a swivel when Ward is on the field.
Also out for the Bengals is guard Evan Mathis, who will be replaced in the lineup by Nate Livings. Maurice Purify, promoted from the practice squad in the wake of Chris Henry’s injury, is active, while Jerome Simpson is inactive.
The Steelers will be without defensive end Travis Kirschke for the second straight week, but are otherwise fully stocked for their battle for the top spot in the AFC North.
The rest of the inactives for this contest are a short click away at NFL.com.
