:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51897531/usa_today_9137274.0.jpeg)
One former Cincinnati Bengals player a Hall of Fame semifinalis
The NFL on Thursday trimmed a field of 94 nominees to 26 semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2017, and one former Cincinnati Bengals player made the cut. Terrell Owens, who played in Cincinnati in 2010 for the final season of his 15-year career, is one of four wide receivers on the list.
After a 65-yard return against Washington and an 84-yard return against the New York Giants, the Bengals’ rookie is averaging 31.3 yards on his 10 opportunities. “He’s not all that experienced at doing it, but he’s getting better and better and better,” said special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons. “You can see that the light’s starting to come on and it’s good to see that the guys are starting to get confidence in him too.”
Fantasy owners can see the playoffs, the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. By now you have a good 1/3 of your league that is dead because they are out of the playoff hunt; another 1/3 is on the outside, but looking in, of the playoff picture; One RB is a must-add, while a QB is a solid streaming option in Week 11
After giving him a day of rest, the Bengals listed quarterback Andy Dalton with a full day of practice in Thursday’s full-scale workout after he was limited in Wednesday’s walk through with a throwing shoulder issue. So was everybody else, except backup defensive lineman Wallace Gilberry (calf) and backup tight end C.J., Uzomah (calf). Gilberry didn’t practice Thursday after he was limited Wednesday while Uzomah was added to the injury report Thursday as limited.
Tate of the re-union: special teams begin to emerge
Transitions, like mud, run downhill. So when the Bengals replaced all their receivers but one, opted for younger players in the back seven on defense, and then promptly lost Pro Bowl special teamer Cedric Peerman just before the regular season with a broken arm, special teams coach Darrin Simmons took one of the hits. His unit, with three top ten rankings in the Green-Dalton Era by profootballfocus.com, is currently mired at No. 23.
BBP2: Previewing Buffalo, Jeremy Hill
Paul Dehner Jr. and Jim Owczarski discuss the often temperamental relationship between Vontaze Burfict and the media, wondering if any of it matters, plus, looking at the two matchup concerns against the Bills and offering predictions.
Alexander's unforeseen rise a Bengals concern
Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander this offseason one month into the free-agency period, the move barely created a blip on the national landscape.
Bengals' Andy Dalton, Tyler Eifert full participants Thursday practice
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and tight end Tyler Eifert were listed as full participants in Thursday's practice, which is the first time the Bengals have been in pads this week. Dalton (right shoulder) and Eifert (knee) were both limited on Wednesday's injury report, which means they took less than their normal amount of snaps. However, the Bengals only held a walkthrough Wednesday because they played Monday night.
How aggressive is the Cincinnati Bengals offense? It depends
The Cincinnati Bengals surprised ESPN analyst Jon Gruden on Monday Night Football by suddenly going conservative against the New York Giants. Down 14-10 with 71 seconds left in the first half, the Bengals allowed the clock to run freely instead of trying to move the ball quickly down the field, prompting Gruden to muse that it was an odd decision for a team with a veteran quarterback.
AFC North Bytes
Ravens' Steve Smith Sr. three catches away from reaching 1,000 career receptions
With 997 career receptions, Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. should make his 1,000th career catch Sunday against the Cowboys. Only 13 NFL players have reached 1,000 career receptions. When Smith becomes the 14th, it will be another testament to his excellence and longevity, as he winds down a brilliant career.
Browns VP: We are not focused on our record this year
After allowing most of the talent to walk out the door and trading away many of their other assets to stockpile rookies and draft picks for the future, it became clear the Cleveland Browns weren't playing for 2016. At 0-10, the Browns are deep into rebuild mode. "We are not focused on wins and losses this year," executive VP of football operations Sashi Brown admitted to The MMQB's Jenny Vrentas.
Steelers Connection: Small changes could pay big dividends for Pittsburgh vs. Cleveland
The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a must-win game Sunday when they travel to Ohio to play the Cleveland Browns. Winning is a must for several reasons, one of them being the Browns have yet to win a football game, but if Pittsburgh wants to keep their playoff hopes alive, losing isn’t an option. At 4-5, the Steelers cannot afford another slip up, especially while coming off a 4-game losing streak. While most fans are screaming for change, no I’m not suggesting firing the entire coaching staff, there are a few changes which could be made to help the Steelers this Sunday.
Random Bytes
Best of the No Fun League celebrations, and if they were penalized
From the bow and arrow to the twerk to the punt into the stands, NFL players have celebrated plays in innovative ways. Question is: Did these spirited acts draw penalty flags?
Saints vs. Panthers: Score and Twitter Reaction for Thursday Night Football
The Carolina Panthers may want to petition the NFL to cancel fourth quarters, but they hung on for a 23-20 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina entered the final period with a 23-3 lead, but New Orleans scored 17 unanswered points and had the ball with an opportunity to win in the final seconds.
NFL has no comment on potential reinstatement of Aldon Smith
Oakland Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith is now officially eligible to be reinstated after completing his minimum one-year suspension. However, that milestone has come and gone without Smith being allowed to re-join the Raiders.
Luke Kuechly Injury: Updates on Panthers Star's Possible Concussion and Return
Black and Blue Review provided the news, while CBS Sports' Will Brinson noted Kuechly was "openly crying" while he was on the field and being attended to by trainers. NBC Sports provided a snapshot of Kuechly before he was carted off: