We’ve seen the Bengals go through their fair share of injuries throughout the years. It seems as though every week there’s an abnormal number of key players are on the injury report, and the start of training camp has been no different. Keith Rivers, the starting weak-side LB, is currently sporting a wrist injury which may cause him to start the year on the PUP list and miss the first 6 games. The Bengals are clearly concerned enough about this to go out and sign two quality outside linebackers in Thomas Howard and Manny Lawson. Lawson has actually graded out better on PFF than Rivers as an OLB over the past few seasons.
Backup RB Bernard Scott has yet to practice due to hamstring tightness. This is believed to be minor, but Scott has had durability issues in his short NFL career.
Roddrick Muckelroy, a promising young LB who thrived on special teams last year, ruptured his achilles the first practice and is out for the year.
Morgan Trent, whose battling for the nickle CB spot, has been battling knee problems stemming from knee surgery last year. Its bad enough that the Bengals reworked his contract to protect themselves if it becomes a recurring injury.
Pat Sims, a key DT reserve, has been on the PUP list as well with an apparent knee injury. Its believed the injury is a result of something that occurred during last season, though Sims has said its not serious and he expects to be on the field soon. Its worth noting that he’s ended the last two years early due to injury, so durability has been a concern with Sims.
Andre Smith, who’s projected to start at RT, is recovering from his second foot surgery and has yet to practice. Its believed he will be ready for the season opener
Adam Jones is still recovering from offseason neck surgery, and may too start the season on the PUP list.
So all in all, the Bengals have faced a number of early injuries, but have signed free agents to address each area. They’ve got plenty of cap space to sign more players if and when more injuries arise. That’s the one benefit of having a cheap owner, there’s always money ready to be spent.
Update
Andre Smith is scheduled to participate in his first practice of camp tonight. This is great news and hopefully now he can live up to the expectations of being the 6th overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Dontay Moch was carted off during practice Tuesday. Reports say it may be either just a cramp.