The Pittsburgh Steelers have ruled linebacker LaMarr Woodley out for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to the team's injury report. Woodley did not participate in Friday's practice, nor did wideouts Arnaz Battle and Emmanuel Sanders or safety Troy Polamalu. Woodley, Battle, and Sanders will miss Sunday's game, but the team lists Polamalu as probable.
Woodley has 36 tackles (24 solo) for the Steelers this season, as well as an AFC-leading nine sacks. His absence means Pittsburgh will have a diminished pass rush to disrupt Bengals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton. As Neal Coolong of Behind the Steel Curtain writes, the return of James Harrison to the lineup against the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday helped mask Woodley's absence somewhat.
Elsewhere on the injury report, Harrison did not practice in full Friday due to a toe injury, but the team lists him as probable. Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, linebacker James Farrior, guard Doug Legursky, linebacker Stevenson Sylvester, and wide receiver Hines Ward all practiced in full and appear listed as probable.