The Cincinnati Bengals have to win one of their final two games in order to win the AFC North for the first time since 2015. It’d be a huge accomplishment for Zac Taylor in just his third year at the helm and fortunately, he had good news to share when he stepped in front of the media cart for his Wednesday press conference.
That news is that linebacker Logan Wilson is trending in the right direction. The linebacker was injured while playing special teams against the Chargers in Week 13 and hasn’t returned to action ever since.
With Germaine Pratt testing positive for COVID-19 and potentially missing Sunday’s game against the Chiefs, this would be a great time for Wilson to return, but only if he’s ready.
Optimism in the LB room: Zac Taylor says this has been a great 48 hours for Logan Wilson. Not to do with Pratt being out, but going to practice today and its an "encouraging big step."
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) December 29, 2021
Opens up chance Wilson returns Sunday.
Per Paul Dehner Jr.’s tweet above, the past 48 hours have been good for Wilson. Taylor said it’s an “encouraging big step” and there’s a shot the Wyoming product suits up and plays for Cincinnati on Sunday. This would be excellent if it ended up playing out this way.
As mentioned above though, hopefully Wilson only gives it a go if he’s fully ready to go. He’s too important of a player to throw out there and risk further injury. Fortunately, Wilson was a full participant during Wednesday’s practice, which is fantastic news.
Good sign for the Bengals: LB Logan Wilson (shoulder) was a full participant at today's practice.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) December 29, 2021
Zac Taylor opened up the door for Logan Wilson to return in Week 17
The Bengals face their toughest task yet this weekend with the Kansas City Chiefs coming to town. Both teams have a ton riding on this game, as the Bengals can clinch the division with a win. The Chiefs have already clinched their division but they can clinch home-field advantage with a win and a Titans loss.
Wilson being available for this game will help tremendously when trying to slow down electric Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce. The Bengals haven’t fared well against solid tight ends so far this season but Wilson wasn’t active when the team faced George Kittle or Mark Andrews the second time so hopefully having him back will go a long way in slowing down Kelce.
Wilson is one of the leaders on the defensive side of the ball so having him back would be huge. Let’s hope he’s good to go for this huge game.