Bengals at Jaguars injury report: Brandon LaFell and Randy Bullock sidelined; Leonard Fournette returns

The Cincinnati Bengals were a more banged up than expected during their Wednesday practice.

A host of starters ended up sitting out, including Randy Bullock, Brandon LaFell, Kevin Minter, Tyler Boyd and Michael Johnson. Bullock and LaFell were the only surprises, as the rest of the players sitting out had injuries the public was aware of.

That includes an elbow injury to Minter and a back injury to Johnson. It’s unclear when either of them will resume practicing. With Minter out, the Bengals have been working Vontaze Burfict in at middle linebacker. Johnson’s absence has led to more playing time for Chris Smith and Jordan Willis at defensive end.

Cody Core got in a full session after missing Week 8 with a concussion. If he gets in a full week of practice, it’s possible he replaces John Ross as the fifth active receiver on Sunday. But if LaFell doesn’t practice, the veteran could be inactive, allowing Core, Ross and Josh Malone to all be active for the first time in the same game this season.

The Bengals got more good news in Ryan Hewitt and Trey Hopkins being able to practice. Hopkins went down with a knee injury in Week 8, but it looks like that won’t sidelined him for Week 9.

As for Hewitt, he’s been out for the past month due to his own knee injury, so seeing him get a full session in Wednesday bodes well for his chances of playing this Sunday.

As for the Jacksonville Jaguars, they’re very healthy coming out of their bye week. That includes running back Leonard Fournette, who missed Week 7 with an ankle injury, but he got in a full session Wednesday. Expect him to get a full workload on Sunday.

Cincinnati Bengals at Jacksonville Jaguars Injury Report