The Steelers and Bengals each scored on their opening possessions.
But the first half was a punt fest after that until late in the second quarter, with Pittsburgh taking a 10-6 lead into halftime.
But the Steelers may have a significant injury issue, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers went back into the locker room early for halftime. The CBS broadcast showed Rodgers clearly favoring his left wrist late in the second quarter after he had taken a few hits.
Pittsburgh had the ball first, with Rodgers hitting running back Kenneth Gainwell for an 11-yard touchdown to give the Steelers an early 7-0 lead.
But the Bengals were able to go 71 yards in nine plays, with Joe Flacco connecting with Tee Higgins for a 28-yard score. While Cincinnati initially had an extra point, the club elected to go for two after a Pittsburgh penalty on the try. But Chase Brown was stuffed on the two-point attempt, keeping the score at 7-6, Pittsburgh.
The Steelers didn’t get another scoring opportunity until late in the first half, aided by some Cincinnati defensive penalties to get down the field — plus Darnell Washington’s punishing, bruising 31-yard catch and run into Cincinnati territory.
Chris Boswell hit his 25-yard field goal to give the Steelers a four-point advantage.
Also on the injury front, Steelers receiver/returner Ke’Shawn Williams has been ruled out with a concussion.
Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt had to exit the contest late in the second quarter. He was helped to the sideline by trainers. Cam Sample also had to head to the locker room in the second quarter.
