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B.J. Hill Injury Update Puts Bengals DT's Week 3 Status vs. Steelers in Serious Doubt
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- B.J. Hill Injury Update Puts Bengals DT's Week 3 Status vs. Steelers in Serious Doubt
Defensive tackle B.J. Hill is in serious doubt for the Cincinnati Bengals ' Week 3 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium after missing practice all week with an Achilles injury. He has not taken a practice rep since last week and was ruled inactive before Cincinnati's Week 2 game against the Houston Texans .
The 31-year-old played 41 percent of the defensive snaps in the season-opening win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before his Achilles injury flared up. Hill was listed as a "Did Not Participate" (DNP) on Wednesday and Thursday. He also was not seen practicing with the team on Friday morning.
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Bengals coach Zac Taylor shared an update about Hill's availability for the Week 3 game on Friday.
" Jonathan Allen will play, per Zac Taylor. B.J. Hill will be doubtful," Charlie Clifford tweeted.
Cincinnati's coach took a wait-and-see approach regarding Hill during the week.
"We will continue to work him through the week and see where he ends up for this game as we manage him," Taylor said on Wednesday.
How Does B.J. Hill's Absence Affect the Bengals?
Through the first two weeks, defensive coordinator Al Golden's revamped unit has exceeded expectations . Cincinnati has allowed just 33 total points in two wins. They have held the opposing rushing attacks to 74.5 yards per game and recorded a league-leading eight sacks.
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While Lawrence and Co. have not missed a beat, B.J. Hill's Achilles injury puts more pressure on the defensive line. Golden would like to have the veteran DT back soon. His defensive scheme relies on rotating the defensive line to keep players fresh late in games.
In Hill's absence, younger players like Kris Jenkins, T.J. Slaton Jr., and rookie Landon Robinson will have to take on more snaps. Hill recorded 66 tackles and 4.0 sacks last season. The Bengals will hope he can return soon as they look to make a deep postseason run.
Al Golden Gets Needed Relief in Jonathan Allen
Jonathan Allen also missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a knee issue, but returned to training on Friday. The two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle has been cleared to play on Sunday.
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Getting Allen back on the field would be a big boost for Golden. Allen has recorded a sack in each of the first two games. He provides the defensive line with another proven pass rusher alongside Dexter Lawrence .
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
