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McDonald could play against Bengals, but Steelers liked Vannett

The Steelers made their second in-season trade for a veteran player in just eight days Tuesday night. And this time, it wasn't made out of need.

A week after saying the Steelers made a deal with the Dolphins to acquire safety Minkah Fitzpatrick because of an injury to Sean Davis, Tomlin said the Steelers did not make a deal with the Seahawks to acquire tight end Nick Vannett for a fifth-round pick was not because of an injury to Vance McDonald.

In fact, Tomlin seemed to think McDonald, who is dealing with a shoulder issue suffered in the second quarter of last Sunday's 24-20 loss to the 49ers, might be able to play -- at least sparingly -- when the Steelers host the Bengals Monday night at Heinz Field.