The Bengals got their much-needed bye week, and we’re already seeing the benefits of it.
On Monday, much of the 53-man roster was able to get some degree of work in as the Bengals held the Monday practice teams get coming off their bye weeks. It included Giovani Bernard (knee), John Ross (groin) and Billy Price (foot) practicing after their extended absences.
Darqueze Dennard (shoulder) got in some work on the rehab field without the sling he was wearing following his Week 7 injury at Kansas City.
Darqueze Dennard going to rehab field a good sign for him. Means he’s getting closer, that’s first time for him over there.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) November 5, 2018
Gio coming out to practice with s helmet for first time since Week 4. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) November 5, 2018
John Ross back in the mix at practice as well and Billy Price continues to take part. Good sign for both of those going this weekend.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) November 5, 2018
Price was actually able to practice in a limited capacity leading up to the Buccaneers game, so he appears to be trending toward playing vs. the Saints.
It’s a little more iffy on Ross and Bernard, who didn’t practice before hitting the bye week. Ross was expected to miss just a few games, while Bernard is more of an unknown. They both need a full week of practice to feel good about their chances of playing vs. the Saints.
Not all news was good today, as A.J. Green (toe/foot) was not seen at practice, though that was expected with news he will likely miss multiple games. Starting left guard Clint Boling (back) and linebacker Nick Vigil (knee) were also unable to go.
Clint Boling not practicing for #Bengals today. Hurt his back in Bucs game. Wednesday and Thursday practice availability will be better guage. @Local12
— Richard Skinner (@Local12Skinny) November 5, 2018
No sign of Nick Vigil or AJ Green
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) November 5, 2018
When Boling left Week 8 with his injury, Christian Westerman filled in nicely. Still, the Bengals need their best lineman this week to have any hope of beating the Saints, so hopefully today was just a precautionary rest day.
Vigil has been out since suffering his knee injury vs. the Steelers, and it’s anyone’s guess as to when he’ll return at this point.
You’ll be shocked to hear yet another tight end is injured.
CJ Uzomah isn’t practicing today, but he did say they planned to take it easy on him this week. He said he needed the bye after injuring his shoulder.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) November 5, 2018
Tyler Kroft is still in a boot
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) November 5, 2018
C.J. Uzomah is just the latest tight end to get banged up, though it sounds like he still could play vs. New Orleans.
As for Tyler Kroft, he is still in a walking boot, so don’t expect to see him this week and probably next week against the Ravens.
Last but certainly not least, linebacker Vontaze Burfict (hip) was able to get some work in on the rehab field.
Burfict on rehab field too. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) November 5, 2018
Burfict suffered his injury in Week 7, so it’s possible he’s far along enough to have a chance of playing vs. the Saints. The Bengals’ struggling defense needs him back on the field asap.