Bengals staff getting healthier but DL coach Nick Eason out versus Dolphins
The Bengals staff that has missed multiple coaches in the last few games is getting healthier but will be without defensive line coach Nick Eason on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
The Bengals coaching staff is getting healthier by the week. After missing four assistant coaches three weeks ago, three two weeks ago and two last week, defensive line coach Nick Eason is expected to be the only coach missing on Sunday when Cincinnati plays at the Miami Dolphins.
The Bengals issued a press release on Friday afternoon to announce that Eason will be unavailable on Sunday due to, in their words, that “Eason will be unable to attend ” the game on Sunday at Miami for “COVID-19 related reasons.” Defensive assistant coach Gerald Chatman will fill in for Everett.
Pro Football Talk mentioned that there was a report that Eason tested positive for COVID-19. Eason has overseen a Cincinnati pass rush this season that has struggled to rush the passer ranking 30th in the NFL averaging 1.2 sacks per game. Eason also missed last week’s loss to the New York Giants.
Eason played nine years in the NFL as a nose tackles with Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Arizona. Following his playing career, Eason has been an a defensive line coach in the NFL with Cleveland, Tennesse and Cincinnati and spent one season as a college assistant at Austin Peay. The press release from the Bengals is below.
"“The Bengals today announce that defensive line coach Nick Eason will be unable to attend the team’s game at Miami on Sunday for COVID-19-related reasons. Defensive assistant coach Gerald Chatman will assume Eason’s responsibilities for the game.”"
Chatman is in his second season with the Bengals and the NFL. Before coming to Cincinnati, Chatman was a college head coach primarily at smaller schools. Chatman was a graduate assistant at Texas A&M in 2016. With the Bengals, Chatman primairly assists with defensive ends and outside linebackers.
Next. PFF projects Bengals will sign Cam Newton. dark
The Bengals defensive line will face a Miami offensive line that ranks 17th in the NFL allowing 2.2 sacks per game, but has allowed 10 over the past three games. Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick will likely start at quarterback in place of rookie Tua Tagovailoa. Miami is 30th in the NFL In stuff rate according to Football Outsiders.