AFC North Notes: Bengals, Ravens, Steelers

Bengals

• Albert Breer still expects Marvin Lewis to return as the Bengals’ head coach in 2019.
• Breer mentions that ownership “covets familiarity” and he doesn’t appear to have any obvious alternatives to consider.

Ravens

• Jeff Zrebiec of the Athletic writes Ravens veteran S Eric Weddle figures to be a potential salary cap casualty if he doesn’t retire, which he says “seems like a distinct possibility.“
• According to Zrebiec, fellow Ravens S Tony Jefferson is likely to be back in 2019, given that releasing him would result in three times the dead money than it would generate in cap savings.

Steelers

• Steelers OC Randy Fichtner said that RB James Conner, who has still yet to practice, does not need to practice to play on Sunday against the Patriots: “He’s played a LOT.” (Aditi Kinkhabwala)
• The Steelers brought in longtime LBs coach Jim Hermann to work with their defense this week. (Aditi Kinkhabwala)
• Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith said of Shaun Suisham helping K Chris Boswell at practice: “Any kicker-to-kicker is helpful. Kicker-to-kicker, sportswriter to sportswriter, coach to coach, trainer to trainer, equipment guy to equipment guy, right? They share general information and had similar experiences.” (Mark Kaboly)
• Jeremy Fowler reports that Steelers WR Justin Hunter (injured reserve) is set to undergo surgery for a torn labrum.