The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into a massive Week 11 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. A win would keep the Bengals' playoff hopes alive, while a loss could all but eliminate them from playoff contention.
Joe Flacco is back under center and will get to throw to a strong supporting cast of receivers. However, he'll have one less target to go to on Sunday.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Bengals were dealt an unexpected status change for wide receiver Jermaine Burton. The 24-year-old receiver out of Alabama was ruled out with an illness ahead of Sunday.
Bengals dealt unexpected Jermaine Burton status update
"Bengals WR Jermaine Burton (Illness) has been downgraded to out for tomorrow's game against the Steelers," Rapoport reports.
Burton hasn't recorded any catches for the Bengals in the regular season yet this season. He's been inactive all year, and this week will be no different. Except this time, he's a late inactive due to an illness.
Burton, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, hasn't lived up to his potential. In his NFL career, he's played in 14 games, all coming in 2024, and he's recorded four catches for 107 yards on 14 targets.
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Despite the Bengals spending a premium pick on him, Burton hasn't developed into a viable starter on offense. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are always on the field, while Andrei Isoivas has worked into offensive formations this season.
And after the preseason breakout from receiver Mitchell Tinsley, and with Charlie Jones being a quality returner, Burton's spot on the roster became very muddied.
He's not been cut, but he's yet to suit up for Cincinnati in 2025. Barring an injury to the wide receiver room, Burton looks to continue riding the bench for the Bengals.
Even though his chances of playing in Week 11 against the Steelers were minimal, the Bengals have no choice but to rule him out with a surprise late addition to the injury report with an illness.
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