2 min read • August 13, 2021
Posted in
Cincinnati Bengals
Offense
QB Joe Burrow -
The number one overall pick in the 2020 draft suffered an ACL/MCL tear Week 11 and required surgery, missing the rest of the year. There was an indication of a patella subluxation as well. While national TV pundits initially suggested he would take all of the 2020 and 2021 season off, we were optimistic that Burrow would be ready Week 1. He avoided PUP to start camp and has been looking strong at practice. Admittedly he is not 100% yet and needs to knock the rust off. We continue with optimism for Joe Burrow's future as the Bengals signal caller and star QB. Carson Palmer had a similar injury for the Bengals and made a strong comeback the next season. Burrow was building up a solid rookie campaign before the ACL tear and now has his favorite target from LSU in Ja’Marr Chase at wideout. He may progress throughout the year, but should be a go for the season opener.
RB Joe Mixon -
A foot sprain Week 6 kept the star running back out for 11 games and after being injured, Week, missed the rest of the season. We didn't see much on video and it appeared to possibly happen on a TD dance but nothing was definitive. The full story has not been told yet but in theory, Mixon is slated to be healthy and has not been limited in camp.
TE CJ Uzomah -
The hulking TE ruptured his Achilles in Week 2 and subsequently missed the rest of the season. Offseason reports are that he is 100% healthy and a full participant at OTAs and avoided the PUP list. Expect a strong return despite the major injury, though now he’ll contend with Drew Sample for snaps and targets.
Defense
DE Trey Hendrickson -
The new free agent signing dealt with a bothersome neck stinger that cost him two games including the Saints' Wild card matchup with the Bears. This is an injury to watch as a stinger can flare up at any time. Hendrickson managed 13.5 sacks in a breakout season in New Orleans. If he can replicate that production, it will go a long way to buffing the pass rush that logged just 17 sacks overall last year.
DL DJ Reader -
One of the big free agent signings of 2020 had a year to forget as he tore his quad and missed 11 games, finishing the season on IR. Reader passed his physical heading into camp and hopefully can play himself into a strong position, as the Bengals look to replace the production of longtime stalwart Geno Atkins.
CB Trae Waynes -
The huge free agent signing of 2020 missed the entire season due to a torn pectoral muscle. He suffered said injury very early, meaning he will be ready for the new season. Waynes will immediately slot into the Bengals' number one corner spot come Week 1.
CB Chidobe Awuzie -
The former Cowboy signed with the Bengals as he looks for a new start. In 2020, the cornerback missed seven games due to a significant hamstring injury which left him on IR while also missing one game after being placed on the Reserve/COVID list. The hamstring issue should be behind him as he joins his new team.
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