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Bengals cornerback Terence Newman has joined the walking wounded on the defensive side of the ball. In the Week 16 game against the Colts, Newman sprained the MCL ligament in his knee and was given a timetable of 1-3 weeks for his return. He didn't play against the Steelers on Sunday night, which was expected, but his vacancy definitely showed in the secondary's performance on the evening.
Speaking with the local media on Tuesday, head coach Marvin Lewis was asked about Newman's status going forward and the head man played coy. Newman's rehab is going well, but the team doesn't sound anxious in rushing him back to risk further injury.
Marvin on Terence Newman: He's running in the pool, making progress, but because of his position we have to be cautious.
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) December 17, 2013
Though we have yet to see the official injury report for the week and hear who will have practiced, it might be a stretch to assume Newman will be back this week against the Vikings. Linebacker Rey Maualuga missed a month with a similar injury, so the team could be without Newman again on Sunday.
Some are speculating that he could be out until the postseason, but if Cincinnati finds itself in the situation of needing a win in the final week against the Ravens to get to the postseason, he could be back for that showdown.