CINCINNATI — Earlier experiences in dealing with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson might 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 previously might be obtainable for Sunday’s sport 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 sport of the season, coach Zac Taylor stated after Friday’s observe.
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Second-year defensive finish Myles Murphy, who confronted Baltimore twice throughout his rookie yr, stated having gamers who know defend Jackson, a two-time MVP winner, might 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 effectively.”
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 damage, had been cleared to observe earlier this week.
“You will need to have wholesome guys as effectively,” Murphy stated. “However the truth that we now have really feel for a way he performs, I really feel like that is going to play in our favor a bit of bit.”
Murphy stated he spent the week feeling every thing out and did not expertise any soreness in his first week again. Cincinnati’s first-round choose in 2023 stated he prioritized communication all through the week with the teaching employees as they managed his utilization. Murphy indicated that method will proceed on Sunday.
Regardless of the constructive information for just a few Bengals defenders, Cincinnati might be with out no less than one key participant.
Defensive sort out Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) might be out, Taylor stated. The Cincinnati coach did not rule out cornerback Mike Hilton (knee) for Sunday’s sport. Nevertheless, Hilton didn’t observe all week after he suffered the damage 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 in search of their first house victory of the yr after losses to New England and Washington earlier this yr.
“With a view to have the season we wish to have, it’s important to have an amazing house report,” Taylor stated. “It’s important to play effectively at house. 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.”
