Bengals' worst nightmare comes true after Friday's news

The immense task for the Cincinnati Bengals of beating the Buffalo Bills in the second round just got a lot tougher. Left tackle Jonah Williams and right guard Alex Cappa have been ruled out. Williams dislocated his kneecap during the Bengals' win over the Baltimore Ravens in the first round. He started 16 games for […]

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Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor walks the sideline in the fourth quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Baltimore Ravens 24-17. Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Afc Wild Card Jan 15 485

The immense task for the Cincinnati Bengals of beating the Buffalo Bills in the second round just got a lot tougher. Left tackle Jonah Williams and right guard Alex Cappa have been ruled out.

Williams dislocated his kneecap during the Bengals' win over the Baltimore Ravens in the first round. He started 16 games for the second consecutive season in 2022 and played 100% of the snaps in 15 of them. So, major blow here.

Cappa was ruled out last week against the Ravens with an ankle injury. He signed a four-year deal worth $35 million last offseason, and he played 16 out of 17 games, logging 100% of the snaps in 14 games. So, much like Williams, the absence of Cappa is a big one.

Bengals' quarterback Joe Burrow has expressed faith in the offensive line despite their setbacks due to their performance in the first round. However, going up against a Bills' defense that was fifth against the run and sixth overall in the regular season will be challenging for the Bengals with multiple starters out.

Feature image via Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK