Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson (55) plays during a wild-card playoff NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)AP

The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to be without starting linebacker Logan Wilson against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wilson, who appeared on the injury report with a knee injury, was listed as questionable but did not practice all week. The injury was not known before the Bengals came back from their bye week, but Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Wilson’s knee was swollen and needed rest.

Now, it appears that the Bengals will not have him. In his place, Akeem Davis-Gaither will start alongside veteran Germaine Pratt. Davis-Gaither is a veteran in his own right and plays for the Bengals in sub-packages.

Davis-Gaither has one interception and 24 tackles in that role this season. Pratt will likely wear the green dot. For the Bengals, losing Wilson is another blow to a unit that has struggled mightily this season against the run and the pass. Wilson has terrorized the Steelers in the past, so not having him changes how the Steelers can play this defense.

The Steelers will be mostly healthy themselves, but will likely not have outside linebacker Alex Highsmith for the game as he continues to recover from a low ankle sprain.