The Bengals are getting some reinforcements on defense this week - but not without a few costly setbacks - as they prepare for a crucial matchup down the stretch.
Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart is set to return to action after missing time with what’s now been confirmed as a torn PCL. It’s been a bumpy debut season for Stewart, who also dealt with an ankle injury earlier in the year.
But with three games left on the schedule, he’s got a chance to show why the Bengals were high on him coming out of college. This is the kind of late-season window that can set the tone for a young player’s trajectory - especially in a defense that’s looking for fresh energy on the edge.
On the offensive side, Tee Higgins’ status remains up in the air. He practiced Friday, which is a good sign, but he’s still in the league’s concussion protocol.
Head coach Zac Taylor noted that while Higgins is pushing to play, it all hinges on whether he can clear the final medical hurdles. He’s officially listed as questionable.
The defensive line is a mixed bag heading into Sunday. Veteran B.J.
Hill is also questionable with an ankle injury, but he’s expected to give it a go. Hill’s presence on the interior is huge for Cincinnati’s front - he’s been a steady force all season.
On the flip side, the Bengals will be without rookie Kris Jenkins Jr., who’s headed to injured reserve with an ankle injury of his own. That ends his season and thins out the rotation at a critical time.
The injury bug hasn’t stopped there. Edge rusher Joseph Ossai is out with an ankle injury, as are tight end Noah Fant and wide receiver Charlie Jones - both dealing with the same issue. That’s four key contributors dealing with ankle injuries alone, a tough blow for a team still fighting for playoff positioning.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are dealing with their own defensive loss. Star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is out with a calf injury, removing one of Miami’s most dynamic playmakers from the equation. That’s a significant absence for a defense that leans heavily on Fitzpatrick’s versatility and instincts in the back end.
Miami also has five players listed as questionable, though the rest of their roster appears ready to go. With both teams banged up, depth and next-man-up mentality could be the difference-maker in what’s shaping up to be a pivotal late-season clash.
This game could come down to which team can weather the injury storm better - and which young players are ready to seize the moment.