In different interviews this week, it sounded like Dean and Warren should be good to go. I think Pittman has a real shot to play. Porter, I’ll believe it when I see it.

Rico Dowdle (toe) and Gennings Dunker (knee) are OUT against the Bengals. Jamel Dean (ankle), Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Joey Porter Jr. (NIR/conditioning), and Jaylen Warren (shoulder) are all questionable.

Warren was limited with a shoulder injury this week, but this all but confirms he's expected to play on Sunday.

Gennings Dunker popped up on the injury report yesterday with a knee injury, and today, he was spotted in the locker room wearing a large brace on his left leg.

Steelers RBs coach Ramon Chinyoung on the RB rotation this week with Rico Dowdle likely being out: "With Rico being in the position he is now, Jaylen (Warren) is going to go out, he's going lead the group and when he needs a breather, we'll make sure he can receive that so he can perform and be as fresh as possible."

Steelers TEs coach Robert Kugler says Riley Nowakowski is one of the 'smartest players I've ever had' in his coaching career. "He's one of the smartest players I've ever been around. He corrects me all the time. I say that jokingly, but really, that's the type of player he is, always asking questions. He's been great. He's impressive."

T.J. Watt on facing Bengals RT Amarius Mims, who is having a great start to the season, this week: "He's an extremely enormous human being who moves really well. I think he's done so many good things and has shown growth over the last few years. I'm excited for the matchup and challenge."

Steelers OT Max Iheanachor says he's "100% ready" if his name is called on Sunday to start at RT. Steelers OL coach James Campen says he's seen a lot of growth from the first round pick. "He's taking the right steps to put himself in the right position... he's come along well. He missed two weeks at the early stages of training camp, and those are valuable reps, but we'll see what happens there."

Friday open media period notes: - Still no sign of Rico Dowdle. Likely trending towards him being out - I didn’t see Gennings Dunker out there after he popped up with a knee injury yesterday - Joey Porter Jr. Jaylen Warren, Michael Pittman Jr., and Jamel Dean were all participating in the period.

Just a reminder that we will be going live today at 3:30 pm ET to talk about the Bengals vs. Steelers game this weekend. We are also scheduled to be joined by @FarabaughFB who covers the Pittsburgh Steelers for @PennLive around 4:00. piped.video/live/3KgX5gkrdkA…

Should also like 4/5 of those dudes are not starting caliber OL at any position frankly

C.J. Henderson in the first half

Jamel Dean (ankle), Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Jaylen Warren (shoulder), Joey Porter Jr. (NIR/conditioning) were limited in today’s practice. Gennings Dunker was a new player added with a knee injury. He was limited. Rico Dowdle (toe) and Cole Holcomb (personal) did not practice.

Joey Porter Jr. talked today about his health, where he stands, the emotions of the contract negotiation, and his future in Pittsburgh.

Joey Porter Jr. denied ever having plans of getting a second opinion on his back issue and also rebuked the idea that he ever requested a trade out of Pittsburgh. For the first time, he committed to playing when healthy, but did not say when that would be.

Jamel Dean says he doesn’t anticipate his ankle injury impacting his availability this week. He expects to play.

Some other notes from the open period to media: - WR Michael Pittman Jr. continued to work today. He is battling a foot injury but was participating. - Spencer Anderson still has the big wrap on his lower right leg. - Rico Dowdle did not participate but was out of his boot. Jaylen Warren was participating. - Joey Porter Jr. continues his work. Jamel Dean and Jalen Ramsey returned to practice after missing yesterday.