PITTSBURGH — The Cincinnati Bengals face a significant challenge in their playoff aspirations as they will be without running back Chase Brown for their final regular-season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Cincinnati has declared Brown out of Saturday night’s matchup due to a sprained ankle he sustained during their overtime win over the Denver Broncos in Week 17. As the team’s leading rusher, Brown has compiled an impressive 990 rushing yards along with 11 total touchdowns this season, but he did not participate in any practice sessions throughout the week leading up to the game. He was noted as questionable on the last injury report, but ultimately will not take the field.

In his absence, Khalil Herbert is expected to take over as the starter. The Bengals, sitting at an 8-8 record and having won their last four games, require a win against the Steelers as well as losses from both Miami and Denver on Sunday in order to secure a spot in the playoffs. Additionally, Cincinnati will be without several players, including defensive end Sam Hubbard, wide receiver Charlie Jones, defensive end Isaiah Thomas, offensive tackle Andrew Stueber, wide receiver Jermaine Burton, and tight end Tanner McLachlan, all of whom are inactive for this crucial game.

On the other side, the Pittsburgh Steelers will not have starting cornerback Donte Jackson available due to a back injury. Jackson, who has been instrumental for the Steelers with five interceptions this season, will be replaced by Cory Trice. The Steelers are also missing quarterback Kyle Allen, wide receiver Scotty Miller, and defensive ends Isaiah Lowdermilk and Dean Lowry, as they strive to avoid entering the playoffs on a four-game losing streak.

As the two teams prepare for this pivotal encounter, both sides are battling injury setbacks that could impact their performance and playoff hopes. The stakes are high, making this final clash of the regular season an essential one for both squads.