There was good news and bad news at the wide receiver position during Coach Mike Tomlin's weekly press conference.
Emmanuel Sanders is out this week but Hines Ward is expected to play.
Sanders, who missed last week's game against the Ravens with a knee injury and the death of his mother, underwent surgery on Monday.
"Emmanuel Sanders had his knee scoped," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "He should be a couple weeks. That was deemed a success"
Ward returned to action against the Ravens after missing the previous week with an ankle injury, but left the game with what was called a stinger after getting hit by linebacker Ray Lewis.
"Hines Ward appears to be doing well with his concussion-like symptoms," said Tomlin. "It shouldn't prohibit him or slow him down in any form or fashion this week but we will assess him again (Wednesday), as we get started with our work week."
In addition, receiver Jerricho Cotchery had swelling on his knee which could limit him in practice at the start of the week.
Daniel Sepulveda, who was placed on injured reserve with a partially torn meniscus, had surgery on his knee on Monday.
With Sepulveda out for the season the Steelers brought punter Jeremy Kapinos back before the Ravens game, a move Tomlin said the team was fortunate to be able to do.
"He's a guy that we are very familiar with, one that we've played winning football with," said Tomlin. "He kicked for us over the second half of last season and through the playoffs. Really, when you have a guy with his experience and exposure that we have to him that's available to us, we really consider ourselves fortunate in that area."
The Cincinnati Bengals have emerged as a contender in the AFC North this year, with their 6-2 record, due in part to the play of rookie quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton, the Bengals second round draft pick, has had an impact on the team from day one.
"He has been pretty rock solid," said Tomlin. "And I have looked at game one all the way up to last week's performance and in his very first game, his opener, you see him looking at the safety, moving him with his eyes and throwing a vertical down the field to (Jermaine) Gresham. So I think if you are talking about if he is growing over the course of the season, I think that is just something that you are looking for. I think he has shown to be a pretty mature signal caller from the onset."
Dalton has completed 158 of 257 pass attempts for 1,696 yards and 12 touchdowns and his 85.0 quarterback rating is sixth in the AFC.
"He is not your typical rookie first and foremost because he is playing," said Tomlin. "I think there has been no hesitation in that regard. I think he has come into a situation that a lot of rookies don't come into, in that he has been the guy since day one. I think they've had complete clarity in that area. I think that has helped them, and I think that has helped him. So these are not normal rookie circumstances, if you will."
