CB Joey Porter Jr. returns, but Steelers will be without starter Donte Jackson vs. Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to face the Cincinnati Bengals’ prolific passing attack without starting cornerback Donte Jackson, who is inactive for Saturday night’s season finale at Acrisure Stadium.

Jackson (back), who didn’t practice Tuesday and was a limited participant Wednesday and Thursday, was listed as questionable on the status report. He leads the Steelers with five interceptions, including one in the 44-38 win over the Bengals on Dec. 1 in Cincinnati.

It marks the fourth consecutive game for the Steelers without at least one starter in the secondary. The Bengals feature the NFL’s leading passer in Joe Burrow and receiver in Ja’Marr Chase, as well as one of the league’s top complementary receivers in Tee Higgins.

The other starting corner, Joey Porter Jr., returns for the Steelers (10-6) after missing their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. Wide receiver Ben Skowronek and outside linebacker Preston Smith — a healthy scratch against the Chiefs — also are back for the Steelers.

Other inactives for the Steelers are wide receiver Scott Miller, defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk and defensive end Dean Lowry. With backup quarterback Justin Fields returning after missing the past two games, Kyle Allen will be the emergency quarterback.

The Bengals (8-8) will be without leading rusher Chase Brown, who will finish 10 yards short of 1,000 rushing for the season. Also inactive for Cincinnati are wide receivers Charlie Jones and Jermaine Burton, linebacker Isaiah Thomas and offensive tackle Andrew Stueber, tight end Tanner McLachlan and defensive end Sam Hubbard.