Bengals activate Jackson Carman off COVID-19 list

Some good news for the Cincinnati Bengals before they travel up north to face the Detroit Lions.

Rookie offensive lineman Jackson Carman has been activated off the Reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.

Carman, the team’s second-round pick from April’s NFL Draft, has been starting at right guard since Week 3. He was placed on the COVID list on Monday. NFL protocols state he must’ve tested negative for COVID-19 tests 24 hours apart and remained asymptomatic since then.

The Bengals have one more practice before heading up to Michigan this weekend, which is good news for Carman if he plans to remain starting. The team’s original plan was to start rookie D’Ante Smith in his place, but Smith injured his knee during Wednesday’s practice. Another rookie, Trey Hill, had been practicing for Smith since then.

In any case, Carman being available gives them more bodies to work with at offensive line.

Running back Samaje Perine, who was placed on the COVID list the same time Carman was, has not been activated.