Defensive end Aaron Smith has been one of the Pittsburgh Steelers' most dependable players since his rookie season in 1999. The problem is Smith can't produce if he's not on the field and, for the first time since his rookie year, he won't be there Sunday in Cincinnati. Smith did not practice all week because of a sprained ligament in his left knee and won't play in the key AFC North game. Coach Mike Tomlin understands what losing one of the NFL's most consistent defensive linemen means. "Aaron is as good a football player as we have on this team, not only on the defense," Tomlin said. "You know what you are going to get from him. ... The level of his play is consistent and consistently high."