Sunday’s matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Miami Dolphins won’t have playoff implications, but there’s still plenty to keep an eye on-especially when it comes to who’s actually going to be available. Both teams are banged up, and with Miami rolling out a rookie quarterback, this could be a game where depth and resilience take center stage.
Let’s start with Cincinnati. The Bengals’ defensive front is in a tough spot heading into the weekend.
B.J. Hill and rookie Kris Jenkins Jr. both missed their second straight practices, and that’s a problem.
Hill has been a steady presence in the middle, and Jenkins has shown flashes of promise. Without them, Cincinnati’s interior defensive line could be running on fumes.
Don’t be surprised if we see a few practice squad call-ups to plug the gaps.
The situation gets even trickier on the edge. Joseph Ossai is dealing with an ankle injury and also missed practice.
With Trey Hendrickson already sidelined, the Bengals’ pass rush could be running thin. Ossai’s absence would leave Cincinnati without two of their top edge threats, which could give Miami’s rookie QB a little more breathing room than expected.
Offensively, Tee Higgins remains limited as he works through the NFL’s concussion protocol. This isn’t just a routine “day-to-day” situation.
Higgins suffered a serious concussion, and the fact that he’s still feeling symptoms more than two weeks later is concerning. The Bengals would be well within reason to play it safe and keep him sidelined another week.
Adding to the offensive injury list, wide receiver and return specialist Charlie Jones is also dealing with an ankle injury and didn’t practice. His absence would impact both the receiving corps and special teams-two areas where the Bengals have leaned on his versatility.
There is some good news, though. A handful of Bengals players showed up on the injury report but still practiced in full, which usually means they’re managing minor issues rather than anything that would keep them out of action.
On the other side, Miami’s defense could be missing some key pieces of its own. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick missed his second straight practice with a calf injury. He’s arguably the Dolphins’ most impactful defender, and if he’s out, that’s a big break for a Bengals offense that leans heavily on the passing game-even if they’re short-handed at receiver.
Linebacker Jordyn Brooks is also nursing foot and knee injuries and hasn’t practiced this week. He’s a key piece in the middle of Miami’s defense, and his absence would leave a noticeable gap in both run support and coverage. Cornerback Isaiah Johnson missed his second straight practice as well, dealing with a knee issue.
So while this game won’t shake up the playoff picture, it’s shaping up to be a test of depth and adaptability. Both teams are dealing with significant injuries, and how they adjust-especially in the trenches and secondary-could determine who walks away with a win. For fans looking beyond the standings, this is a chance to see how young players and backups respond when the spotlight shifts their way.