Joe Flacco essentially missed training camp last summer

Eifert said the Bengals are not placing him on a "pitch count," per se, but "being smart."

Baltimore Ravens: Quarterback Joe Flacco essentially missed training camp last summer because of a back injury and was physically limited by the time the regular season began. This summer was different. Flacco logged double time and led extra sessions with new weapons on offense, including wide receivers Willie Snead, John Brown and expected No. 1 target, Michael Crabtree. "I definitely feel a lot better, but I don't think that has anything to do with the confidence that we have as an offense and that I have as a quarterback in this offense," Flacco said. "Really, the confidence just comes from a good hard offseason, a good preseason and just believe that we have guys up front, outside, behind me, that can make plays."

Cincinnati Bengals: Only five offensive players logged more snaps for the Bengals than tight end Tyler Kroft did last season. Having Kroft, who had 42 receptions in 2017, alleviates some of the pressure on Tyler Eifert to push himself after a season lost to injuries. Eifert said the Bengals are not placing him on a "pitch count," per se, but "being smart." "But you don't want to have tendencies where it's obvious in that situation what you're doing," he added. "Just being smart about it. I'm sure some games might be different than others where snaps might be higher, but yeah, I think there's something to that."

Cleveland Browns: The hamstring issue that limited wide receiver Josh Gordon last week is behind him, he said Wednesday, adding that he's "100 percent, and I will be 100 percent on Sunday." Gordon is not expected to start against the Steelers, and head coach Hue Jackson clarified further Wednesday. "I do not think that Josh is going to play the whole game," Jackson said. "He has not played in a preseason game. He has been in practice. I do not know how many plays a guy can play that has not done as much as everybody else." Rather than giving Gordon "too much," the Browns will utilize him in a rotation at "X" receiver with rookie Antonio Callaway, who is expected to start.

Pittsburgh Steelers: James Conner is the purported starter at running back in Week 1 with Le'Veon Bell absent, and the Steelers are not selling the sub as a step-down. Conner, in fact, was the highest-rated running back in preseason according to Pro Football Focus grades. Head coach Mike Tomlin said the Steelers are more confident in the running back room this season solely because of Conner. Offensive guard Ramon Foster credited Conner's work ethic as the reason for the heavy dose of support. "Conner has busted his (butt)," Foster said. "When you're ready, you're ready. He's ready." Foster did not hold back his thoughts on Bell's holdout."What do you do?" Foster asked. "Here's a guy who doesn't give a damn, I guess, so we'll treat it as such. I just hate it came to this."