When Pat Sims went down with a severe ankle injury late last season, the Bengals' rush defense collapsed down the stretch. The team invested two high picks at the position this year, in second-rounder Devon Still and third-rounder Brandon Thompson, and by most accounts, the youngsters have looked good early in camp. Some have begun to wonder if Sims would be the odd man out in the competition at the position because the team usually carries four players.

Sims, who signed a one-year deal earlier this offseason, has been rehabbing vigorously to get back on the field. According to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com, that time could be arriving soon.

Follow @GeoffHobsonCin

Geoff Hobson
@GeoffHobsonCin

Bengals' d-line battle heating up. Do they keep 8 or 9? Hearing Sims back next week. #btc53

Reply · Retweet · Favorite
39 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto

The return of Sims will only help the club. Not only will he provide depth at the position, but they'll be able to get a good read on just how far he has come since his injury. The truth is, even though the club invested picks in Still and Thompson, they don't have a player of Sims' mold and specialties on the roster. Though he has never been a starter since joining the team in 2008, Sims has consistently done well against the run and commanded double-teams because of his size. While he is still currently a candidate for the PUP List, he won't be if he returns to the practice field.