AFC North Notes: Bengals, Browns, Ravens, Steelers

Bengals

A year after leading the AFC in rushing, Bengals RB Joe Mixon has found much tougher sledding this year. With an offensive line obliterated by injuries, Mixon is facing the same fate each time he gets a carry, as he’s run 84 times for 254 yards. As a team, Cincinnati is on pace for historic ineptitude both running the ball and stopping the run, as the difference between the Bengals’ rushing average of 53.1 yards per game and the 189 yards per game they allow is the worst of any team since 1950. 

“It’s frustrating for everybody when the run game isn’t going,” Bengals HC Zac Taylor said, via the team’s official website. “That’s with the coaches and the running backs. Joe is easy to deal with. Joe understands. Joe wants to win. He’s not a selfish guy in that way. He just wants to win. It’s frustrating for any running back when we’re having the lack of success that we’re having right now.”

• According to ESPN’s Ben Baby, Bengals WR A.J. Green is expected to miss this week’s game against the Rams. 
• ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports the Bengals still don’t plan on trading Green. 
• Taylor expects Bengals OL Cordy Glenn, who’s been embroiled in a dispute with the team over his return from a concussion, to return to practice Wednesday. (Baby)

Browns

• According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Browns are resigned to the fact that they won’t be able to pry LT Trent Williams from the Redskins despite numerous attempts and will have to look in-house to solve their issues at left tackle. 

Ravens

• The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec expects the Ravens to make a special teams-related signing given three of their top special teamers — Justin Bethel, Brynden Trawick and Chuck Clark — have either been released, hurt or elevated to larger roles elsewhere. 

Steelers

• Per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Steelers RB James Conner expects to play Monday night against the Dolphins after injuring his quad last week against the Chargers.