Bengals’ bye week comes at a perfect time as new problems from new injuries need new solutions
The Cincinnati Bengals get the next week off after beating the Miami Dolphins, and that week will be spent wisely for a few players battling new and old injuries.
The Cincinnati Bengals get the next week off after beating the Miami Dolphins, and that week will be spent wisely for a few players battling new and old injuries.
Zac Taylor told reporters during his Monday press conference linebacker Swayze Bozeman and tight end Tanner Hudson suffered a broken forearm and pectoral injury, respectively. The former will soon be placed on the Reserve/Injured list.
“Swayze [Bozeman] broke his forearm, so he’ll go to IR,” Taylor said. “Tanner Hudson has a [pectoral] issue that we’re gathering more information on.”
These injuries occurred during Sunday’s game. Bozeman played one snap on defense and 10 on special teams before leaving the game and soon being declared out. Hudson played 19 snaps on offense and eight on special teams.
Safety Kyle Dugger did not play in the game. He’s missed the last two weeks with a quad injury, and Taylor confirmed he’s still week-to-week.
“Those are really the main three right now in terms of guys that would be affected coming out of the bye,” Taylor said.
Bengals will need a new linebacker
Bozeman is one of five LBs on the active roster and practice squad combined. The Bengals will soon be down to four once he has placed on I.R.
Purely for emergency depth purposes, Cincinnati will need to sign another LB to compensate for the loss of Bozeman. He has been one of their main special teams contributors as well, so his replacement will need to fill his role there first and foremost.
Oren Burks remains the top backup at the position, hey Joe Giles-Harris is also still on the team.
Jack Endries could be next up at tight end
Rookie TE Jack Endries has been inactive for more games than not through five weeks. With Hudson now dealing with an injury, he is next in line for snaps.
It’s very unfortunate timing for Hudson. The 31-year-old caught three passes for 14 yards and his first touchdown of the season against the Dolphins. His role had increased over the last few weeks with so many injuries to Cincy’s receivers. Thankfully, that position group is getting healthier.
Erick All Jr., Mike Gesicki, And Drew Sample are still holding it down at the position and will continue to be the featured players. Endries is expected to be active as TE4, and should help out on special teams in ways Hudson was able to do so.
