Updates: Joe Flacco throws interception, Steelers get pick-six

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals are back on the road after their bye, facing off with AFC North rival the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Bengals trail the Steelers 20-9 after Joe Flacco threw an interception straight to Pittsburgh safety Kyle Dugger, who ran it back for a pick-six.

Mason Rudolph is in for the Steelers after Aaron Rodgers injured his wrist on the last drive of the first half and is questionable to return. The Bengals also had their own injuries with corner Cam Taylor-Britt ruled out with a foot injury, and defensive end Cam Sample questionable with an oblique injury.

Both Cincinnati and Pittsburgh's offenses forced punts for the majority of the first half, keeping both teams to only one touchdown each.

Cincinnati quarterback Joe Flacco found Tee Higgins for a 28-yard touchdown pass. The Bengals successfully made the extra point but there was a defensive penalty during the play, prompting the Bengals to go for two instead, which they failed to convert.

The Steelers got on the board first when Aaron Rodgers found Kenneth Gainwell for a touchdown on Pittsburgh's opening drive.

The Bengals (3-6) are looking to bounce back from two back-to-back losses against the New York Jets and Chicago Bears. The Steelers (5-4) are also coming off a loss, falling to the Los Angeles Chargers last week.

Cincinnati is once again without Joe Burrow, who continues to nurse his toe injury but returned to practice this past week. Joe Flacco is continuing to fill Burrow's shoes, and despite the loss against Chicago, Flacco put up a career game with Cincinnati, throwing 30-of-44 for 470 yards and 4 touchdowns with 2 interceptions.

Sunday's divisional matchup between the Bengals and Steelers weighs heavily in the fight for the AFC North. The Steelers currently hold first place, but losing three of their last four games doesn't bode too well for them, especially as the Baltimore Ravens begin to surge with the return of Lamar Jackson.

The Bengals must beat the Steelers to stay relevant in the AFC North. They did so last month, and a sweep of Pittsburgh increases the odds of Cincinnati playing meaningful football by the time Burrow returns.