Last year, Steelers receiver Hines Ward famously ended the season of Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers via a non-swiveled-headed hit that broke forced the rookie to suck soup through a straw for several weeks.
But when the Bengals and Steelers get together on Sunday in Pittsburgh, Rivers might not have a chance to return the favor. He’s officially listed as doubtful on the injury report, with a calf injury. Rivers also reportedly was affected on Friday by an illness.
Three other Bengals are on the injury report due to an illnesses, but all are probable: receiver Andre Caldwell, defensive tackle Tank Johnson, and center Jonathan Luigs. (It makes sense to keep an eye on whether a rash of players will be using barf bags on the flight for reasons other than turbulence — or the smell of Andre Smith’s farts.)
Also on the report for the Bengals are guard Evan Mathis (ankle), who is doubtful. Guard Fullback Jeremi Johnson (chest) and defensive end Frostee Rucker (neck) are questionable. Defensive end Robert Geathers (hip) is probable.
The Steelers are surprisingly healthy, with fullback Carey Davis (hamstring) and defensive Travis Kirschke (calf) out, but no other players on the list.
Safety Tyrone Carter seems to wish that more names (specifically, Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark) were on the Steelers’ list.
“Can’t even get on the field,” Carter said Friday, per Chuck Finder of the PIttsburgh Post-Gazette. “I get two picks, and I’m out of there.”
Carter later explained that he doesn’t mind the situation. “I know my role,” he said.
I wonder if Rivers is not playing because he is still scared of Ward. I don’t blame him that was one of the sickest blocks I have ever seen.
Did you read this at all before posting it?
Guard Jeremi Johnson? Maybe Fullback Jeremi Johnson?
I don’t recall–did Rivers play when they met earlier in the season? If he did, it was a non-event. Wouldn’t expect this to be any different.
Florio, you know your a professional journalist now right? You should learn how to write. This article is quite the gem, and by gem I mean POS.
Rivers is probably afraid that Ward will follow him home.
reading this post FLORIO makes me wonder if you’ve been affected by the smell of Andre Smith’s farts?
Is there another part of his body that can be wired shut??–BungHoles lose by 3 touchdowns..
Rivers had his ‘chance’ earlier this year, and chose to play football instead.
For his sake, I hope Florio JR asks Mrs. Florio for help with his writing his assignments and not you Mike.
Yes, I read the entire thing, did you?
Looks like Rivers prefers solid food.
Rivers won’t get a shot at Ward??????
Interesting way of phrasing it all things considered, and could cause one to ask, have you been watching any, you know, professional football over the last decade?
Ward is the one who won’t get another shot at Rivers.
More reasons to underestimate the Bengals this week…keep em comin…!
Steelers and their fans wont know what hit em!
Overconfident bafoons
dirtyest player in the NFL=Hines Ward. that was according to the players on the field. he has no class. I can’t wait for the Bengals to knock that stupid grin off his face…again.
bengals fans have such a complex that their superbowl is beating the steelers. everyone who cheers for a respectable franchise cares about superbowls! silly bengals fans.
Hines Wards is not dirty at all, other players just hate him because he makes them look soft.
Im president charlie,
You are the defending SB champs. And many other reasons make this game BIG. we do not think this is the SB, its just another game, albeit with playoff implications. Dont get ahead of yourself.
I will say this, USC players arent the same since Ronnie Lott and Troy Polamalu. If somebody broke somebody’s jaw, back in the day, a teammate would have payback with interest. Fines are a little too much these days, or people move on. Bengals more concerned with the win rather than “getting even”.
goetta-head – “Don’t get ahead of yourself.”
Show me where I got ahead of myself….or are you assuming that my statement meant that i think the steelers are going to the superbowl? We know what assumptions make….
As a steelers fan i really respect how the bengals have turned things around this year. Their defense kept them in games last year (even against the Steelers). The Bengals have an underrated offensive line and a healthy carson palmer has made all the difference. It was strange to watch Palmer hand off w/ his right hand all last week and I wonder if this will have any negative effects against the #1 rush defense? The loss of Odom and injury to Rivers could be the difference in this game.
Not overconfident for this one…its going to be a great slobber knocker game.
Tyrone Carter was joking when he said that
I laugh when I read all the Steeler-hater trash talk about how the Steelers are a dirty playing team, how Hines plays dirty and how the Steelers get all the calls. Just look how the Steelers approach the game, how they take the field and how no one is a show off. Compare that with that clown Chad whats-his-name. He may be a great WR but his clown’n has to be an extraction for the Bengals. He wouldn’t last two minutes with the Steelers. You can talk trash all you want about Pittsburg but I ask you, “How many rings do the Bengals have, huh?” Clowns don’t wear rings! I see none on any of the Bengals fingers!!!