dq. BREAKING NEWS: Steelers Rule Out Key Player vs. Bengals — Major Blow Ahead of Crucial Division Clash!

Pittsburgh, PA – October 13, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers have suffered a major setback heading into their Thursday Night Football matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed on Monday that
special teams captain Miles Killebrew has been ruled out due to a significant right knee injury sustained in Sunday’s 23–9 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Killebrew went down midway through the second quarter after awkwardly planting his right leg on kickoff coverage. He was immediately helped off the field and could not put weight on the injured leg. Moments later, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game and carted to the locker room.
After the game, Tomlin provided a brief but sobering update:
“We’ve got some bumps and bruises associated with play. The only one that’s worth mentioning of any significance is Miles Killebrew. He’s got a significant knee injury,” Tomlin said. “I’ll have more updates in the not-so-distant future.”
When asked whether the Acrisure Stadium field conditions may have contributed to the injury — a concern raised by quarterback Aaron Rodgers earlier in the day — Tomlin declined to speculate:
“I have no idea,” he said.
Killebrew, 31, has been a model of consistency and leadership since joining Pittsburgh in 2021 after five seasons with the Detroit Lions. Drafted in the
fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Killebrew earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2023 for his impact on special teams and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension in 2024.
The veteran safety is a core part of a deep defensive backfield that includes DeShon Elliott, Chuck Clark, Juan Thornhill, and Jabrill Peppers. His absence will be felt not only on kick coverage but also in the locker room, where his leadership has set the tone for Pittsburgh’s defensive identity.
Tomlin acknowledged the emotional toll of losing a player of Killebrew’s stature:
“He’s our captain. We can hurt for him as a man, teammate, and individual. But one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity,” the coach said.
Meanwhile, the Steelers received some good news on other injuries. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (head) and veteran Darius Slay (shoulder) — both banged up against Cleveland — have been cleared to play Thursday night in Cincinnati.
The Steelers will now turn to Miles Boykin and Elijah Riley to help fill the special teams void as they prepare for a divisional showdown that could further cement their control over the
AFC North.
Killebrew’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, but early signs suggest he could miss multiple weeks — a tough blow for a team built on toughness and discipline.
Seahawks Rookie Faces Civil Lawsuit From Former Business Associate Ahead of Buccaneers Clash


Just days before the Seattle Seahawks take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5, first-round rookie guard Grey Zabel is facing an unexpected legal distraction off the field — a civil lawsuit tied to a former business partnership from his college years at North Dakota State.
According to The Seattle Times, a former associate has filed a complaint in King County Superior Court, alleging that Zabel failed to honor a verbal NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) agreement from 2024 involving endorsement revenue splits from regional sponsors. The plaintiff claims Zabel “profited unfairly” after signing professional representation deals ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Zabel, 23, has been one of the biggest rookie success stories in Seattle. Drafted 18th overall, he was immediately installed as the starting left guard and has played 100% of offensive snaps
through the first four games. At 6’5”, 318 pounds, with a 36.5-inch vertical and a 4.9-second 40-yard dash, Zabel is considered one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the league. His
82.1 pass-blocking grade (PFF) ranks top 10 among all guards, and he has yet to allow a sack this season.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. called Zabel an “instant starter” and praised Seattle’s front office for addressing one of its biggest weaknesses — interior protection. The rookie has been pivotal in stabilizing the offensive line that ranked
30th in 2024, protecting Geno Smith and paving the way for Kenneth Walker III’s 100-yard performance in Week 3.
In response to the lawsuit, Zabel’s representatives at Athletes First issued a firm denial:
“Grey has always been transparent and professional in all his business dealings. This civil claim contains factual inaccuracies and will be resolved quickly and favorably.”
Head coach Mike Macdonald briefly addressed the situation on Friday:
“Grey’s fully focused on football. He’s handled everything the right way since day one. Our priority is Sunday’s game, and he’ll be ready.”
The Seahawks (3–1) are preparing to host the Buccaneers (3–1) in a battle of division contenders, both wearing their
throwback uniforms in what promises to be one of the most nostalgic matchups of the year. For Seattle, Zabel’s steady play up front remains critical — both to their offensive rhythm and to proving that off-field noise can’t derail one of the most impressive rookie starts in recent franchise memory.