The Bengals will once again have some key players missing preseason action.
Ahead of tonight’s clash with the Cowboys, Cincinnati announced the following players were unlikely to play, while Tyler Eifert is also almost certainly out even though he wasn’t on the list of announced players:
- LB Vontaze Burfict
- CB Tony McRae
- WR Cody Core
- LB Vincent Rey
- CB Sojourn Shelton
- DT Josh Tupou
- DT Andrew Brown
Look for Eifert next week in Buffalo with Kroft expected to start tonight
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) August 18, 2018
Eifert is healthy and practicing, so holding him out tonight is more of precautionary move to ensure he’s healthy for Week 1.
Outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict is battling an ankle injury suffered in Monday’s practice, which had him donning a walking boot for the rest of the week. There’s no word on how severe the injury is.
Wide receiver Cody Core is also battling a practice injury suffered this week. He’s on the outside looking in in terms of the 53-man roster if the Bengals keep just six receivers.
Outside linebacker Vincent Rey is battling an ankle injury suffered in the preseason win over the Bears and missed this last week of practice.
Defensive tackle Josh Tupou is recovering from a sprained MCL and is expected to miss a few more weeks of action, which will almost certainly cost him a spot on the 53-man roster.
Cornerback Sojourn Shelton tore a thumb ligament and broke a bone in his hand. He’s been seen in a cast and could be out for another month, if not longer.
Defensive tackle Andrew Brown has a hamstring injury suffered on August 1, and he hasn’t practiced since. The rookie fifth-round pick is slowly watching his roster chances dwindle, and his best hope of staying in Cincinnati may be on the practice squad.
Cornerback Tony McRae is dealing with a right ankle injury, the extent of which is unknown. He also has slim roster chances and needs to get back on the field ASAP.