Trae Waynes to miss most of 2020 season following surgery

The Cincinnati Bengals have likely lost Trae Waynes for the majority of the 2020 season.

According to the NFL Network, Waynes will miss a “sizable portion” of the upcoming season after having surgery on a torn pectoral muscle.

Cornerback Trae Waynes, whom Cincinnati signed for big money in March, underwent surgery for a torn pec and will miss a sizable portion of the 2020 season, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Monday, per informed sources.

Rapoport added that Waynes, 28, does have a chance to return before the season’s over.

Pelissero reported nearly a week ago that the 2015 first-round pick was seeking a second opinion on the ailment, which was initially feared would lead to roughly a two-month absence. Monday’s update indicates a longer stay on the sidelines.

This is a brutal blow for Waynes, who the Bengals signed to a three-year, $42 million contract this offseason following a five-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings.

Waynes suffered a pectoral injury last week during a training camp practice. It appears this is a similar injury to what William Jackson suffered during camp in his rookie season back in 2016. Jackson would ultimately recover to the point he was healthy enough to come off injured reserve in November of that season, but the Bengals opted to use the IR-return designation instead on running back Cedric Peerman.

With Waynes out, that means more reps will go to Darius Phillips, Mackensie Alexander, Darius Phillips and LeShaun Sims. It also gives guys like Winston Rose, Torry McTyer and Tony Brown a better shot at making the 53-man roster.