Lewis Loosing Patience Over Marvin Jones Injury’s

Marvin Jones will miss the beginning of 2014, but the Bengals will be fine while Jones recovers from his broken foot. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

In his press conference before Thursday’s practice Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis made some eye opening comments about his projected number two receiver.

Lewis stated: “Marvin has to get to practice if Marvin wants to get to play,” Lewis said. “He hasn’t played in basically a year. He has to get ready to play NFL football….We’re not going to play people that can’t practice with us. …The passing game is a lot about timing and repletion. It just doesn’t happen.” …

Jones has missed the last two training camp practices with what is being called hamstring issues. Jones is returning this year after missing all of last year with foot and ankle problems and is a big part of what the Bengals want to do in the passing game. While he could be fine and have a healthy season, it’s another reminder of how thin the wide receiver group is.

It also revisits the question of why receiver wasn’t addressed sooner in the draft with all three of the top three in the last year of their perspective contracts. They brought back Greg Little when James Wright had a season ending injury and now he may play a more vital role than he did last season. It also means Denarius Moore may become a necessary player heading into the season, but his preseason has been less than steller to this point.

It also raises the question of the Bengals commitment to Jones beyond this season. A.J. Green, Marvin Jones, and Mohamed Sanu all are on their last year of their contracts. If Jones misses any major time, it could me his time in Cincinnati will be up at the end of the season.