Keith Rivers leaves on crutches. MRI shows it's not a season-ending injury
by Kirkendall on Nov 8, 2009 9:24 PM EST
in Injury
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You'll have your bumps and bruises in most NFL games. In fact, many people say that when teams avoid major injuries, they're simply luck. And the avoidance of major injury is often credited for a team's season long success.
While beating the favored Baltimore Ravens 17-7 to complete a season sweep, the Bengals suffered their share of injuries that won't be cured with a pack of ice and rubbing dirt on the wound.
Chris Henry suffered a broken forearm on a 20-yard reception with 14:13 left in the second quarter. When asked if the injury is season-ending, head coach Marvin Lewis said “I don’t know that.” On the Bengals second possession, with 6:49 left in the first quarter, Evan Mathis injured an ankle and gingerly walked to the lockerroom. He didn't return. Johnathan Joseph and Robert Geathers were injured and missed a few snaps, but later returned. In Geathers case, he recorded a late fourth quarter sack that forced the Ravens to go for it on third-and-19 with 2:16 left in the game.
Keith Rivers left the game early in the third quarter after a Kevin Huber punt. Listed as out with a calf injury, Rivers didn't return. The Bengals tweet that Rivers left Paul Brown stadium on crutches, but an MRI says that it's not a season-ending injury. A more optimistic view is that he returns next week. But why? Brandon Johnson filled in for Rivers, recorded 1.5 sacks and finished with five tackles. If it takes time, then take it. The win over Baltimore actually gives the Bengals breathing room for at least a wild card spot. Then again, Johnson isn't much of a downgrade from Rivers.
Luckily this team has enough depth at most positions to supplement injuries. For example, when Mathis left, the Bengals were able to insert Nate Livings. Did you notice the change? As things go, if you don't notice the offensive line, then they're doing great. When Rivers left, Johnson only had a frickin' awesome second half.
We should learn more about Mathis and Rivers later this week.
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wonderful News About Keith Rivers
Play him when he is healed and ready. Although, it would be fun to see Keith and Rey sandwich Hines Ward next week.
by DixieBengalfan on Nov 8, 2009 10:07 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Ex-Starters
Livings was a starter at the beginning of the season who was only downgraded because he had an injury. I believe Brandon started last year a bit. These aren’t huge losses for a few games. We would have to see how Simpson plays to know what his drop off would be.
Oline and linebackers are one of the positions we have depth at which is good news. If it was a TE, not so much.
by CincyRed on Nov 8, 2009 10:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think that tweet just says that Rivers said he's not done for the season
And is going to have an MRI soon
by jsl413 on Nov 8, 2009 10:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
people were actually CRYING at the stadium.....
when Slim broke his arm. I was almost in tears i have to admit, the guy had turned his life around and we could see his bone sticking out. There is still 8 weeks left in the season he could be back if we make the p-word. But Purify seems to be his replacement not Simpson
CB85......Collaros for Heisman
by TennBengalfan on Nov 8, 2009 10:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Purify seems to be,
but I still think there is nothing wrong with Simpson. I think MB and ML is waiting to use him b/c of free agency and b/c of the depth at WR. They are known for sitting players for their own reasons rather it be contracts or sideline experience. Free agency is going to hurt us in the next couple of years so this is what I think is going on here. MB isn’t going to pay big money to some of these players.
by WHYUS!! on Nov 9, 2009 8:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i really hope mathis is ready next week. i still think livings is a significant downgrade.
on a side note, i’ve been very harsh in my criticism of bengals fans at the stadium for not being vocal enough in support of their team, and that wasn’t the case today. the fans really did their job today. so did bratkowski. i liked the steeler mentality in the second half (sorry to call it that); we won that game because we held the ball for 2/3 of the time.
i'm going to go america all over your ass!
by Raging Clue on Nov 8, 2009 10:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
word
i'm going to go america all over your ass!
by Raging Clue on Nov 8, 2009 11:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Johnson is probably our best back-up, but he is best suited for coming into the nickel D, and I think the defense will suffer without Rivers, particularly against the run.
We didn’t look good at the end of the 3rd and beginning of the 4th quarters, especially, at stopping Rice.
But it’s really amazing how we still have depth on defense halfway through the season. We’re not considering how to play a 5-2 base defense, with the starting LB signed off the street, or a practice squad.
by R.F. Mehl on Nov 8, 2009 11:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
not many people stop Rice
But they did a good job of containing his runs. Covering him in the passing game was the tough part. He is a dynamic back who has to be a nightmare for DCs
by steveinaz on Nov 9, 2009 12:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
BJ played a good game
I agree with the earlier post about depth at LB. we should be fine there. I hope Purify can play, Roy W knows how tough Maurice is!
by steveinaz on Nov 9, 2009 12:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
yea he only had 1.5 sacks....
in the fourth quarter
CB85......Collaros for Heisman
by TennBengalfan on Nov 9, 2009 3:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was talking about Brandon Johnson
not much of a downgrade
CB85......Collaros for Heisman
by TennBengalfan on Nov 9, 2009 3:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yea Purify may be a pleasant surprise..
he is tall, and your right, Roy Dub knows he’s a man
CB85......Collaros for Heisman
by TennBengalfan on Nov 9, 2009 3:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Andre Smith
When is this dude ready to play? Could use his size in the front line against the Steelers.
by Richard L on Nov 9, 2009 7:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
With Henry hurt Desean Jackson Simpson Purify can step in
by featherman on Nov 9, 2009 7:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
We will see Simpson next year after the Free agency thing plays out!!
I’ve been saying this for a while now. MB and ML is holding him back b/c of free agency. MB likes to keep his thumb on things. He’s our ace in the hole for next year if the Chris Henry thing doesn"t work out or asks for to much money. Now that Chris is hurt, depending if it is season ending IR thing, we just might see Simpson play sooner than later. If not, then we will see Purify step in and Simpson next year.
by WHYUS!! on Nov 9, 2009 8:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting thought
I still think they will dress the player that will give them the best chance to win. Purify>Simpson in run blocking and STsand probably route running.
by featherman on Nov 9, 2009 11:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry to see Slim go out this way.
IF we’re extremely lucky, he’s back for the playoffs.
by UpStateMike on Nov 9, 2009 9:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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