PITTSBURGH — The Bengals will play for their playoff lives without the breakout star of their season. Second-year running back Chase Brown was ruled out after trying to come back one week after sustaining a high ankle sprain against Denver.
Brown amassed 930 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns over the last eight games since fully taking over for Zack Moss (IR, neck). The Bengals will turn to Khalil Herbert, who the team acquired at the deadline from the Chicago Bears. Kendall Milton and Trayveon Williams will serve as backups.
Brown was one of six players listed as questionable for the Bengals. Only receiver Charlie Jones was also listed as out.
Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (ankle), tight end Drew Sample (groin), offensive tackle Amarius Mims (ankle/hand) and receiver Tee Higgins (ankle) are all active.
Here’s the full list of inactives:
WR Charlie Jones (groin)
RB Chase Brown (ankle)
DE Isaiah Thomas
OL Andrew Stueber
WR Jermaine Burton (coach’s decision)
TE Tanner McLachlan
DE Sam Hubbard (knee)
Burton, the Bengals’ troubled third-round pick, was ruled out on Friday when it was announced he wouldn’t make the trip due to a coach’s decision.
