Bengals slot cornerback Darqueze Dennard suffered a shoulder injury against the Steelers in Week 6, but the extent of the injury had been a bit of a mystery.
Finally, there is a bit more information available, per Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Update on Darqueze Dennard's sternoclavicular injury: Expectations are the #Bengals will have him back fairly quickly after the bye. At Baltimore on Nov. 18 isn't out of the question.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) October 21, 2018
Dehner reports that Dennard will be back after the bye week, meaning in addition to Sunday’s game against the Chiefs, he’s expected to miss next week against the Buccaneers, and potentially miss Week 10 against the Saints. He then could return in Week 11 against the Ravens.
Unfortunately, Dennard will be out of the lineup at an inopportune time. Dennard missing the Chiefs, Buccaneers and Saints games would be difficult for a Bengals defense that is still looking to find its swagger. During that period, Tony McRae is expected to primarily fill Dennard’s role, but don’t be surprised to see rookie Darius Phillips or KeiVarae Russell at times, too. Russell was promoted from the practice squad this week.
With any luck, Dennard will be back for the rematch with the Ravens. Maybe we can hope for the Saints, too. The Baltimore game would be huge as it will have a major impact on who is at the top of the AFC North at the end of the season.