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There are a couple of players on the Bengals 2012 roster that can be labeled as "wild cards". We say this because these players are a bit of an unknown, but if they end up working out well for the club, it will put them in a great position down the road. One of those players is third-year linebacker, Roddrick Muckelroy.
Like Leon Hall, Muckelroy is coming off of a season-ending Achilles injury and is just getting back on the field. If there was to be any semblance of good news about Muckelroy's injury, it's that it occurred much earlier than Hall's, making it more likely that he would be able to practice and play with the club in 2012. According to Joe Reedy of The Cincinnati Enquirer, Muckelroy has been cleared to practice and was fully participating in drill on Tuesday.
Jordan Shipley (knee) has been gradually cleared to resume team activities and was running some routes. Linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy (achilles) was taking part in all the drills.
It's been a day of good news regarding Bengals players that sustained season-ending injuries in 2011. First, we learned that Jordan Shipley was running some routes with the team and gettting on the field. We then heard that Hall's rehab process is coming along and he was participating in certain exercises off to the side. Now, we get the good news about Muckelroy.
If Muckelroy continues to stay healthy and shows he's worthy of a roster spot, it could help the Bengals at the position immensely. Both Dontay Moch and Rey Maualuga could be facing suspensions from the NFL, leaving some holes at the middle and strong side linebacker spots. The team also traded Keith Rivers and have yet to re-sign Brandon Johnson. Muckelroy is a versatile player that could line up in all three spots, if needed.