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It is hard to say how well a Bengal tiger would do against a Panther, but on Sunday the Carolina Panthers really beat up on Cincinnati Bengals.
A.J. Green
The most important injured player was A.J. Green who is easily the Bengals’ offensive MVP. It appeared he tweaked something on the Bengals’ first drive as he got his leg caught in the turf trying to dive on an attempt to catch a touchdown. However, it wasn’t until later in the game when he landed awkwardly again after being hit that he really aggravated his groin. Originally, Green was probable to return, but he was then downgraded to questionable. Ultimately, he never returned to the game. It appears that Green’s status for next week is up in the air as well. Although Green is optimistic regarding his chances at playing against the Falcons.
Ryan Glasgow
One of the ugliest injuries suffered on Sunday was to defensive tackle Ryan Glasgow. He went down late in the game, and he was even carted off. It looked like his knee buckled as he was getting blocked, but Glasgow walked into the locker room under his own power after being taken there by cart.
Glasgow left Sunday’s game with a knee brace on and using crutches, which isn’t a geat sign.
Just landed back in Cincy but doesn’t look good. Left locker room on crutches with knee in brace. https://t.co/MJPhW2XpqS
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 24, 2018
Smaller injuries
Carl Lawson and Andrew Billings both suffered injuries as well on the defensive line. Although Lawson quickly returned to the game.
Tyler Kroft and Giovani Bernard both also left the game briefly at points. Bernard just did some stretches, but Kroft’s injury is pretty much a mystery as he took a knee away from the scrum around the ball at the end of a run in which he wasn’t involved. Either way both players made their returns to the game.
Preston Brown
Cincinnati was already thin at several places coming into the game. They were without Preston Brown (ankle) and Vontaze Burfict (suspension) at linebacker. The hope is Brown will play next week after being questionable coming into Carolina. The Bengals get Burfict back in Week 5 against the Dolphins.
Billy Price
The offensive line was missing rookie center Billy Price, who is dealing with a foot injury suffered against the Panthers in Week 2. He will not play in Week 4 but will be evaluated again heading into Week 5.
Joe Mixon
Of course Joe Mixon missed this week after having a minor knee surgery just nine days ago, but it appears he could be back sooner rather than later. A report that came out yesterday said Mixon could return in Week 4. That sounds optimistic, but it’s possible.
Michael Johnson
The defensive line was missing veteran Michael Johnson on Sunday, who may have actually been useful with all of the defensive linemen going down. He was questionable to play in Carolina, so he could be back pretty soon. He’s recovering from an MCL tear, suffered against the Ravens in Week 2.
The Bengals are set to face the Falcons on Sunday in Atlanta and the team will fly out on Saturday. It appears the Bengals could still be without several key players in that game. That could be bad news as the Falcons seem to have all the firepower in the world, despite only being (1-2) on the season. Hopefully at least one of Green and Mixon are able to suit up. If both can play, that would be great, too.