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UPDATE
For the most part, Carlos Dunlap’s IG session was him discussing his frustration with his new role in the defense, but he also reminded everyone that he’s a professional and will press on. Several Bengals teammates showed support for Dunlap in the comments section.
Bengals RB Joe Mixon asked Carlos Dunlap what the point of tonight's IG Live was:
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) October 19, 2020
"Expressing my frustration, why I was frustrated and talking about mental health, tackling bullying, everything that I've always stood for."
Just a few highlights from Carlos Dunlap's Instagram Live for you #Bengals fans. Please check his page out on Insta for the full video! pic.twitter.com/1GNzF9VSba
— BengalsCaptain (@BengalsCaptain) October 19, 2020
"Who am I to challenge this vision that the Bengals and Zac [Taylor] have for what they want the team to look like? ... I am employee 9-6, as I have always said."
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) October 19, 2020
--Carlos Dunlap on his IG Live#Bengals
"As a competitor I understand someone has to win or lose. And as a black man in this world today I want to encourage my brothers and sisters to communicate more..." - @Carlos_Dunlap
— Rebecca Toback (@Rebecca_Toback) October 19, 2020
"Taking care of your mental and/or chicken, as @MoneyLynch has said is real... I want to put an emphasis on being mentally aware and challenge yourself to do better in all aspects of your life, not just football." - @Carlos_Dunlap.
— Rebecca Toback (@Rebecca_Toback) October 19, 2020
It was a great reminder of how great a person and professional Dunlap has been during his Bengals career. Here’s to hoping he gets more opportunities moving forward to prove he can still make a positive impact for this defense.
Carlos Dunlap has had enough of the conjecture.
The two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher has been a rotational player in the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense for the past two weeks. He was reportedly demoted before Week 5’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, and his role didn’t seem to change this past Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. A report surfaced Monday regarding his and Geno Atkins’ displeasure of being reduced to role players.
In an effort to clear the air of speculation, Dunlap announced on Twitter that he would be going live on his Instagram account to talk about the current events and where he stands on them.
A lot of “guesswork” being done on where I stand and what’s in my head. Well today I’m going live for whomever wants to listen. Tune in to my IG Live at 7pm.
— Carlos Dunlap (@Carlos_Dunlap) October 19, 2020
Straight from the desk of Employee96! pic.twitter.com/dY7A2sYU4T
No one really knows what Dunlap will say about all of this. His frustration about this season and his evolving position has been evident, but how much of it has been overblown?
The 31-year old has been with the Bengals since the 2010 season when he was drafted by them in the second round. He’s still under contract with the team through the 2021 season, but the team can release him after this season and incur just $2.25 million in dead money.