Chidobe Awuzie takes part in 11-on-11 drills at Bengals practice

UPDATE

The news got even better during Monday’s practice for the Cincinnati Bengals, as veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie was able to take part in 11-on-11 work for the first time since tearing his ACL.

Granted, it was only for a brief time, but it’s still a major step in Awuzie’s road to recovery and his hopes for being active in Week 1 vs. the Browns, if not starting outright.

Awuzie also told reporters that he felt he could play in game action just four months after suffering the tear on October 31st, which would have been around March when NFL free agency began. That could help explain why the Bengals didn’t make big free agency moves at the position other than signing Sidney Jones to compete for one of the final spots at cornerback while letting Eli Apple and Tre Flowers depart as well.

The Cincinnati Bengals are hoping they get 28-year-old cornerback Chidobe Awuzie back in time for their September 10th season opener against the Cleveland Browns.

His services could be of use against quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver Amari Cooper. Awuzie tore his ACL in October of 2022 and has his eyes set on playing during the team’s opener.

After signing with Cincinnati in the 2021 offseason, Awuzie almost instantly became the team’s top corner. Losing him late last season arguably changed the outcome of the year.

Nonetheless, he’s looking good after returning to 7-on-7 action at practice.

Awuzie replaced rookie D.J. Ivey in the drill.

“It’s a lift anytime you see a leader and someone who has been through an injury of that magnitude come all the way back. Everyone has seen him rehab, everyone has seen him in the meetings, everyone has seen him work hard. But to see him get back on the field, it was a good sight to see,” cornerbacks coach Charles Burks told Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson.

Let’s just say reports coming out of Bengals Camp on their cornerback are only positive, and that’s a great thing to hear if you’re a fan.