AFC Notes: Bengals, Ravens, Steelers

Bengals

• Bengals QB Brandon Allen told reporters that he was fine despite leaving the game with an injury: “It was just my wind and I knew what it was had done it before. Trying to get words out I was fine but wasn’t able to get my breath back for a while there. Couldn’t really spit out those words.” (Paul Dehner Jr)

Ravens

Ravens OC Greg Roman said QB Lamar Jackson has been “fully engaged” in their virtual meetings ahead of Week 13.

“He’s really lockstep each and every step through. The only thing he can’t do is actually be at the facility and take part in (practices),” said Roman, via Jeff Zrebiec. 

Roman praised Ravens’ veteran WR Dez Bryant since his arrival in Baltimore and believes there is an “extra glimmer” remaining in his career. 

“Dez has been a true pro since the moment he got here. This week, I’m sure there’s an extra glimmer for him,” said Roman, via Zrebiec.

As for the Ravens being without any healthy tight ends for Week 13, Roman indicated that they have had to make “some severe adjustments” to their offense. 

“We’ve had to make some severe adjustments but that’s how it goes. It’s definitely unique. It’s a challenge that presents itself,” said Roman, via Zrebiec.

• CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora says the NFL investigation into the Ravens’ COVID-19 outbreak will take weeks to wrap up. Once it does, a similar punishment, like a $350,000 fine, to the Titans outbreak is expected. 
• In addition to a strength coach who came to work symptomatic and did not wear a mask, La Canfora says there are concerns about a team chaplain and nutritionist also not following the COVID-19 protocols. 

Steelers

The Steelers have already had to endure a significant injury loss this year when LB Devin Bush went down. But it provided an opportunity for LB Robert Spillane, who’d played only sparingly before, to get his shot and step up. Now Pittsburgh will have to hope something similar happens after OLB Bud Dupree was lost for the year with a torn ACL, pushing third-round OLB Alex Highsmith into a much bigger role. 

“You have to know it’s the next man up mentality,” Steelers OLB T.J. Watt said via Teresa Varley of the team’s website. “You have guys like Alex Highsmith who is preparing like he has been a starter this whole time. We have to trust that the coaches are going to put him in the best position, us in the best position, to keep going forward. I have all of the confidence in the world in the guys in this locker room that we are going to be all right.”

• ESPN’s Adam Schefter says that while Steelers RB James Conner is eligible to be activated from the COVID-19 list, he’s unlikely to play on Monday night against Washington.