The Bengals are walking into this game without their leader.

The 2025 NFL season rolls on Thursday night as the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in a key AFC North showdown at Paycor Stadium. Leading into this divisional clash, the biggest storyline surrounds the Bengals’ quarterback situation. With Joe Burrow sidelined due to injury, Cincinnati will head into Week 7 relying on its backup quarterbacks in a game that could shape the rest of their season.

Will Joe Burrow play tonight against the Pittsburgh Steelers? (October 17)

No, Joe Burrow will not play for the Cincinnati Bengals in Thursday night’s game against the Steelers. The franchise quarterback suffered a toe injury earlier this season that required surgery, and he was placed on injured reserve shortly after. He’s expected to miss at least three months and won’t be available again until late in the year. In his absence, the Bengals initially handed the reins to Jake Browning, but also recently added veteran Joe Flacco to provide more stability. Both quarterbacks have split practice reps and pregame packages, but neither brings the same level of experience within the Bengals’ system or the chemistry with key weapons like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Joe Burrow’s injury puts added pressure on Bengals’ backup QBs

Burrow’s absence means Cincinnati enters this pivotal AFC North battle with major questions at the quarterback position. The offense will need to function with a backup at the controls, whether it’s Jake Browning or newly signed Joe Flacco under center. Expect the Bengals to lean on the run game and incorporate more short-yardage throws and screen passes to move the chains. With dynamic playmakers like running back Joe Mixon and wideouts Chase and Higgins, the talent is there — but the quarterback must deliver the ball efficiently and protect it under pressure.The Steelers will likely bring an aggressive defensive scheme, knowing that rattling an inexperienced or newly integrated quarterback could create turnovers and swing momentum early.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game details and how to watch

What to expect from the Bengals without Joe Burrow on Thursday night

The Bengals will be without their starting quarterback, Joe Burrow, so everything else needs to be on point. That includes smart play-calling and solid execution on both offense and defense. Expect them to play it safe early — leaning on the run game to slow things down and avoid turnovers. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are still big weapons in the passing game, but without Burrow, it’s unclear how much of an impact they can make. On defense, the Bengals need to bring pressure and try to throw the Steelers’ quarterback off rhythm, whether that’s Joe Flacco or someone else.Also read: Brian Branch’s one-game suspension stands as Detroit Lions brace for key NFC matchup without starting safetyPittsburgh will be ready to pounce on any mistakes. If the Bengals want to stay in the game, they’ll need to protect the ball, limit errors, and play a clean game. Without their star QB, there’s little margin for error.