CINCINNATI -- Clint Boling will make his first career start at right tackle Sunday when the Bengals host Pittsburgh in a key AFC North matchup.
Boling is expected to move outside as the Bengals continue to look for a solution to the loss of Andre Smith to a triceps tear two weeks ago. Marshall Newhouse started last week at Tampa Bay while Boling remained at his normal left guard spot. Boling, who has made 40 starts at left guard and three at right guard in his four-year career, played a few snaps at tackle against the Buccaneers and was worked out more at the position during practice the last couple of weeks.
The Bengals signed veteran Eric Winston this past week. He is active for Sunday's game.
Veteran Mike Pollak will start at left guard as part of the switch-up.
Linebacker Vontaze Burfict will miss his sixth consecutive game as he continues to recover from knee surgery on Oct. 29. Burfict has played in just five games this season. Vinny Rey will replace him in the starting lineup. Despite Burfict's absence the Bengals defense has shown improvement the past three games. They have not allowed more than 75 yards rushing during their current three-game win streak after being ranked as low as 31st in the NFL in rush defense.
The other Bengals inactives are: wide receivers Dane Sanzenbacher and James Wright, cornerback Chris Lewis-Harris, linebacker Chris Carter, offensive lineman Tanner Hawkinson and defensive end Margus Hunt.
Pittsburgh will also be without its starting right tackle as Marcus Gilbert is out with an ankle injury. He will be replaced by former Ohio State player Mike Adams.
James Harrison, who played for the Bengals last season, is inactive for the Steelers because of a knee injury. The Steelers did announce on Saturday that they have activated linebacker Jarvis Jones from the injured reserve list. Jones was Pittsburgh's designated player to return.
