Bengals RB Trayveon Williams, CB Sidney Jones IV won't play in preseason finale vs. Commanders
Two injured veterans on the Cincinnati Bengals' roster won't suit up for what would've been an important preseason finale this weekend against the Washington Commanders. According to head coach Zac Taylor, running back Trayveon Williams, who's been dealing with an ankle injury for three weeks now, will not play in the team's third and final preseason matchup […]
Two injured veterans on the Cincinnati Bengals' roster won't suit up for what would've been an important preseason finale this weekend against the Washington Commanders.
According to head coach Zac Taylor, running back Trayveon Williams, who's been dealing with an ankle injury for three weeks now, will not play in the team's third and final preseason matchup Saturday night. Taylor also mentioned that cornerback Sidney Jones IV is still dealing with a hamstring injury and that his recovery timeline is "hard to say."
Taylor didn't have to confirm Jones will be out. That statement was enough.
With none of Cincinnati's starters set to play in Washington, this game will feature any and all available players who are still battling for roster and practice squad spots. Williams and Jones are part of that group, and them not being able to play is concerning news for their chances of sticking around.
Williams re-signed with the Bengals this offseason and became the frontrunner to replace Samaje Perine after four years of being below him on the depth chart. A promising spring led to a hopeful training camp that was soon snuffed out with an ankle sprain, though he has been getting close to returning.
The injury has led to Chris Evans taking the bulk of his reps in practice and preseason action, and the third-year tailback looks much improved. It's tough to say whether or not Evans' emergence combined with the promise of rookie Chase Brown is enough to keep Williams off the roster entirely, but this news at least keeps that door open.
Jones' case appears more cut and dry. He had been falling behind rookie DJ Ivey in the battle for the sixth cornerback spot before injuring his hamstring, and not being able to take any reps since the preseason opener has only given Ivey more chances to develop. Jones looks like he's not long to stick around even with a healthy hamstring.
Much can happen between now and next Tuesday when roster cuts are due, but this week's game will be crucial for anyone hoping to survive cutdown day. All Williams and Jones can do now is watch.
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Featured image via © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
