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The Bengals weren’t able to pull off the upset in Week 1 against the Seahawks. However, could have suffered an even bigger loss before the game was even over, but that thankfully didn’t happen.
Joe Mixon, Running back: Left ankle injury
The initial diagnosis is an ankle sprain for Mixon, according to Tony Pelissero, of NFL.com.
#Bengals RB Joe Mixon is believed to have just an ankle sprain, sources say. A little swelling, but early reports optimistic. He’ll have some tests to be sure.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 9, 2019
Bengals fans should know to wait for the test before jumping to any conclusions on how severe a players injury is. It does appear Cincinnati may have dodged a bullet though, as Mixon is going to be extremely valuable going forward in the season.
Mixon was knocked out during the third quarter of the Bengals game. When it was initially reported, he was declared as questionable to return. The Injury cam on this carry.
Here's a screen shot of #Bengals RB Joe Mixon injuring his left ankle underneath Bobby Wagner. Zac Taylor said after the game that he had no update on Mixon but that he was on the sideline right next to him throughout the fourth quarter. pic.twitter.com/RgZZbj0X5V
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) September 9, 2019
Mixon did spend the rest of the game on the sideline with Zac Taylor, so that has to be a good sign that it at least isn’t a significant injury that could cost the running back any games.
Giovani Bernard carried the load at running back the rest of the way. He ended up with 63 yards on nine touches. He also had several valuable pickups in pass protection. Mixon, on the other hand, ended the day with only 17 yards on eight touches.
Bengals prior injuries
The one update everyone cares about is A.J. Green. He travelled with the team to Seattle, but he is still donning his walking boot.
Joe mixon in fuzzy slippers and socks on the plane. At least it’s not a walking boot on that left ankle, with AJ still wearing his. @Bengals #Bengals #NFLKickOff2019 #NFLKickoff #joemixon
— Gary Miller (@Local12Gary) September 9, 2019
That isn’t ideal, as there was an expectation Green would only miss a few games going into the 2019 season. Until Green sheds the walking boot, it is hard to try and gauge when the Bengals will have their star receiver back.
In Green’s absence, John Ross had the best game of his career. He had seven catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Undrafted rookie wide receiver Damion Willis kicked in three catches for 30 yards in his NFL debut.
Auden Tate was also inactive as the team appears to be taking the cautious approach while he returns from a knee injury he suffered in the third preseason game.
The only other injured players coming into the game were offensive lineman Cordy Glenn (concussion) and running back Trayveon Williams (foot). The Bengals really missed Glenn, as Dalton didn’t have too much time to sit back there and read the defense. The running game also had trouble getting off the ground.
Williams may have seen some action in the second half with Mixon leaving the game, but the Bengals offensive line wasn’t doing a very good job of opening up running lanes.