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Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga (hamstring) and Emmanuel Lamur (shoulder) are expected to miss a handful of weeks, head coach Marvin Lewis projected after practice on Friday.
Both suffered game-ending injuries against the Carolina Panthers last week.
Lewis added that he helps that Lamur could return next week against the Baltimore Ravens or "soon after"... if he doesn't play this week. Maualuga, on the other hand, will not play this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts.
Marvin Lewis says it looks as if Rey Maualuga will miss a couple weeks, and the hope is that Lamur will be back next week or soon after
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) October 17, 2014
Marvin Lewis on LB Lamur: "If he misses this week, hopefully he will be back next week." #Bengals
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) October 17, 2014
Vincent Rey figures to replace Maualuga as the starting inside backer while Taylor Mays, who has only played 14 defensive snaps this season, could replace Lamur as the team's nickel backer. Last season, Mays replaced Lamur, who suffered a torn labrum during the preseason finale against Indianapolis.
Mays arguably had his best season last year when he played the nickel linebacker role -- especially in pass coverage. Now Mays will have that opportunity again.