The Pittsburgh Steelers have downgraded cornerback Joe Haden to out for Sunday's contest versus the Cincinnati Bengals.

This is a tough loss for the Steelers as they are already struggling with some injuries. Pittsburgh is also in third place of the AFC North and a half a game behind the Bengals. The Steelers are hoping that they can come away with a win and move to second place in the AFC North behind the Baltimore Ravens.

The Steelers have not been playing good football recently as they tied the Detroit Lions in Week 10 and lost a tough game to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11. Their defense did not play well against the Chargers as they gave up 41 points in a 41-37 loss.

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If they want to make the playoffs they're going to need everybody back and healthy, especially on the defensive side of things. The Bengals have one of the most high-powered offenses in the NFL. Cincinnati has guys like Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tyler Boyd who have played well this season.

If Pittsburgh wants to win this game on Sunday they're going to need their defense to get stops. Ben Roethlisberger has not looked as great as he has in the past but he is still a good quarterback and knows how to come through when his team needs him. This is going to be a high-scoring game and whoever can end up getting a few important stops is going to win the game. Joe Haden being out will hurt this team as they're going up against one of the best wide receiver cores in the NFL.