Wednesday Bengals Practice Notes: Hall, Clements, Kirkpatrick Suit Up
By Mel Payne
Jul 28, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive back
Leon Hall(29) works out during training camp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE
Last week the Bengals went into the game in Jacksonville decimated with injuries in the secondary of the defense. This has been an issue since the preseason began with the defense as a whole. The team has not been healthy and the numbers against the defense, in just four games, are proof. All of Bengal Nation can breathe a small sigh of relief after today’s practice, though. It was reported by Bengals.com that CB Leon Hall, S/CB Nate Clements, and first round draft pick CB Dre Kirkpatrick all suited up for practice today. This was Hall’s first time back since he suffered a hamstring injury in practice in mid September.
Clements hasn’t suited up since he was injured in the September 23rd game against the Redskins and this was Kirkpatrick’s first practice since late. All three look to get back in to action soon. Clements and Hall could be back as early as this Sunday against the Dolphins.
That is good news with the up and coming play of Miami rookie quarterback, Ryan Tannehill. Marvin Lewis said that Kirkpatrick, though suiting up, would probably not make his NFL debut until the November 4th game against the Broncos. So, we will all have to wait a few more weeks in anticipation to see our first pick in action.
Running back Bernard Scott practiced today, as well. He has had issues staying healthy since camp began. If he is able to go Sunday, it would be a relief to starting RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis who has struggled taking the bulk of the carries since coming to Cincinnati. Green-Ellis, known for not fumbling in any NFL regular season play in his career, has managed to cough the ball up 3 times in the last two games. His most excruciating fumble came last week when he lost the ball in the end zone. What would have been 6 points for the Bengals, ended in a changed possession and eventually led to a field goal for the Jaguars. Having more help to back up BJGE, may be helpful to the back who comes from a pass heavy mentality in New England.
In other notable practice news, Dan Skuta sat out today with an unknown ailment and Jason Allen is still out with a thigh injury.
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