Bengals news revolves around the team placing four players on the COVID-19 list. The Cincinnati Bengals had done a nice job not testing positive for COVID and Joe Burrow was teased a bit for the reason why he said that was.
Be that as it may, the Bengals now have Vonn Bell, Trey Henderson, Trey Hopkins, and Quinton Spain on the COVID list ahead of the regular-season finale in Cleveland. Fortunately the team won last week and clinched the AFC North. Had they not, they’d have been entering a must-win scenario in Week 18 and would now potentially have to do so without four starters.
Cincinnati also signed a kicker to their practice squad. Elliott Fry was the Chiefs’ replacement kicker in Week 16 when Harrison Butker had to go on the COVID-19 list. Fry did well in his lone appearance this season, going 3-of-4 on field goal attempts and 3-of-4 on extra point attempts.
We've made the following roster moves:
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) January 4, 2022
- Placed S Vonn Bell, LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, DE Trey Hendrickson, C Trey Hopkins & G Quinton Spain on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
- Signed K Elliott Fry to the practice squad.
- Placed TE Mason Schreck on the Practice Squad/Injured list.
Bengals News: 4 starters land on COVID-19 list
According to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, these four players still have a shot to play on Sunday if they can clear protocols. There’s a chance that the Bengals don’t even play their starters this weekend anyway due to having a playoff spot locked up so maybe this doesn’t end up mattering but it’s still something to monitor.
Players who go on reserve/COVID-19 list can clear the five days by Sunday. Correct. They also have a 90-day window of not testing after these five days. https://t.co/nCTE91gb1W
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) January 4, 2022
Spain probably wasn’t going to play this weekend anyway after sustaining an ankle injury in last weekend’s win over KC. Not having him or Hopkins, however, would really open things up to Myles Garrett and the rest of that Browns d-line feasting on whoever is quarterbacking the Bengals whether it be Joe Burrow or Brandon Allen.
Not having Bell hurts the secondary but the biggest loss out of this bunch would easily be Hendrickson who has been dominant as a pass-rusher this season. He proved he wasn’t a one-year wonder with the Saints and that he can be one of the best pass-rushers in the league.
Hopefully, these guys are feeling all right and can play if Cincy elects to play their starters.