CINCINNATI — Earlier experiences in going through Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson can be paramount for the Cincinnati Bengals on this week’s AFC North showdown.
Fortunately, a number of Bengals defensive linemen who’ve battled accidents and in addition confronted Jackson prior to now can be obtainable for Sunday’s recreation at Paycor Stadium.
Defensive finish Trey Hendrickson (neck/again) and defensive sort out B.J. Hill (hamstring) are amongst those that will play in Cincinnati’s first divisional recreation of the season, coach Zac Taylor stated after Friday’s observe.
Second-year defensive finish Myles Murphy, who confronted Baltimore twice throughout his rookie yr, stated having gamers who know tips on how to defend Jackson, a two-time MVP winner, can be essential.
“Exterior of me, all people has performed him a number of occasions, a number of occasions a yr,” Murphy stated. “Having only a really feel for a way he likes to play is, I believe, crucial, very essential, very helpful for us as nicely.”
Hendrickson suffered a neck stinger in final week’s win over the Carolina Panthers. He and Hill, who has missed the previous two video games, have practiced all week.
Murphy is slated to make his season debut on Sunday. He suffered a sprained knee towards the tip of coaching camp and began the yr on injured reserve. He and rookie defensive sort out McKinnley Jackson, who was additionally on injured reserve with a knee harm, had been cleared to observe earlier this week.
“It is very important have wholesome guys as nicely,” Murphy stated. “However the truth that we have now really feel for a way he performs, I really feel like that is going to play in our favor slightly bit.”
Murphy stated he spent the week feeling all the pieces out and did not expertise any soreness in his first week again. Cincinnati’s first-round decide in 2023 stated he prioritized communication all through the week with the teaching employees as they managed his utilization. Murphy indicated that strategy will proceed on Sunday.
Regardless of the optimistic information for just a few Bengals defenders, Cincinnati can be with out not less than one key participant.
Defensive sort out Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) can be out, Taylor stated. The Cincinnati coach did not rule out cornerback Mike Hilton (knee) for Sunday’s recreation. Nonetheless, Hilton didn’t observe all week after he suffered the harm within the staff’s Week 4 win over the Carolina Panthers.
All through the week, Cincinnati (1-3) has underscored the significance of opening divisional play this season with a win. The Bengals had been 1-5 in AFC North play final yr, with the lone win coming in Week 18 in opposition to Cleveland when each groups’ playoff fates had already been determined.
The Bengals are additionally searching for their first dwelling victory of the yr after losses to New England and Washington earlier this yr.
“With a purpose to have the season we wish to have, it’s important to have an awesome dwelling report,” Taylor stated. “It’s a must to play nicely at dwelling. And so this offers us the chance to get on the appropriate foot. It offers us the chance to begin the division off the appropriate manner.”
