Injury news: Cedric Peerman injured during Bengals’ third preseason game

For the second straight preseason, the Cincinnati Bengals are holding their breaths after watching running back Cedric Peerman go down with an injury.

Peerman, who missed most of the 2016 season after breaking his forearm in the third preseason game, has once again suffered an injury in the Bengals’ third preseason game. It happened as Peerman went to the ground during punt coverage with a left shoulder injury. Peerman walked off the field gingerly and was quickly ruled out by the team.

Peerman missed most of the 2016 season after breaking his forearm in the preseason versus the Jaguars. He was chosen to come off of Injured Reserve late in the year while Giovani Bernard (ACL) and Jeremy Hill (neck, knee) were both banged up. Bernard’s season ending injury in Week 11 led to Peerman’s Week 12 return to the 53-man roster.

Once Peerman returned, he went back to making a big impact special teams as a blocker and coverage man. PFF even named Peerman the best return blocker last season. He finished the year with three total tackles and six rushes for 15 yards.

Peerman’s role in Cincinnati has been nearly exclusively on special teams, both as a coverage guy and a blocker on the return units. He excels in both roles and was even a Pro Bowl special teams selection in 2015.

If Peerman is out for significant time, the Bengals may release him with an injury settlement and keep Tra Carson as the fourth running back. Carson has had a great training camp and preseason, though it’s most come as a runner. The Bengals love what Peerman brings on special teams, so Carson needs to make an impact there to earn that final running back spot.

We’ll keep you posted as more details emerge on Peerman’s injury...