The Cincinnati Bengals could have an important advantage in Sunday night’s AFC North matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh added tight end Pat Freiermuth to its injury report Saturday because of an illness, listing him as questionable for the game.
The late update comes after Freiermuth had no injury designation on the Steelers’ Friday report. His availability is worth watching for Cincinnati, which has won four straight games. Both teams enter the matchup with 6-2 records, and the winner will take sole possession of first place in the AFC North.
Freiermuth has recorded 25 receptions for 235 yards and four touchdowns through Pittsburgh’s first eight games. While those totals are not among the league’s highest for a tight end, he has been a useful target near the end zone. Pittsburgh’s inactive list, expected about 90 minutes before the scheduled 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff, should clarify whether he can play. If he is unavailable, Darnell Washington and Robert Tonyan could take on more work at tight end.
## Freiermuth Has Had Success Against Cincinnati
Freiermuth’s uncertain status is especially notable because of his past production against the Bengals. In the teams’ October 2025 meeting, he caught five passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns, including a 68-yard score in the fourth quarter.
Cincinnati has had difficulty defending tight ends in recent seasons, and the issue has continued in 2026. Opposing tight ends have averaged 80.6 receiving yards per game against the Bengals through their first eight contests. Only the Detroit Lions have allowed more yards per game to the position.
Freiermuth could be a significant part of Pittsburgh’s offensive plan if he is healthy enough to play. His absence would not necessarily remove the challenge for Cincinnati, however. Washington has become another productive option, and the Steelers could adjust their approach to target the middle of the field.
Pittsburgh won the teams’ first meeting of the season, 30-27, on September 27. Cincinnati will have a chance to even the season series and claim sole possession of first place on Sunday night. Whether Freiermuth will be available remains uncertain, making his late addition to the injury report a key pregame storyline.
