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Before the Bengals even hit the practice field Wednesday, they got several bits of bad news on the injury front.
The first was left tackle Jonah Williams going on injured reserve due to a knee injury. Williams has easily been the Bengals’ best offensive lineman this season, not to mention he’s the blindside protector, so losing him is going to be a big hit to an already-struggling offense.
The good news is Williams’ injury isn’t too serious, and he could return in Week 17 vs. the Ravens.
Zac Taylor said Jonah Williams could be back in Week 17. His right knee injury isn’t as severe as they originally expected. #Bengals
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) December 9, 2020
Making matters worse for the Bengals’ offense is running back Joe Mixon will not come off injured reserve this week, according to head coach Zac Taylor.
Joe Mixon won’t return this week. Returning this season is “a possibility” according to Zac Taylor.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) December 9, 2020
Mixon is still recovering from a foot injury suffered on Oct. 18 vs. the Colts. He’s missed the six games, so it’s pretty clear the injury was worse than initially believed. Mixon was sent to IR back on Nov. 21, so he’s eligible to return any week now.
For now, not having either guy will be a big blow to the Bengals’ chances of taking down the Cowboys in Week 14.
With Williams out, rookie Hakeem Adeniji is in line to start at left tackle, while Giovani Bernard will continue to start at running back as long as Mixon is out.