The Bengals got here out on prime in an time beyond regulation thriller Saturday and in doing so stored their playoff possibilities alive. Two key members of their offense are removed from wholesome, nevertheless.
Left deal with Orlando Brown Jr. performed all 90 offensive snaps for Cincinnati throughout Saturday’s sport, one which marked his return to the lineup. Brown had been sidelined since Week 13, and his availability was welcomed by a Bengals workforce needing to win out to have an opportunity at a wild-card spot. Brown mentioned after the competition, nevertheless, that his fibula is damaged in two spots (h/t ESPN’s Ben Child).
That may be a reasonably notable disclosure given the severity of damaged bones and the missed time such accidents usually trigger. Brown was not charged with a sack or strain allowed in go safety by PFF, although, an indication of how efficient he was in a position to be on Saturday regardless of the harm. Having him out there for an additional must-win contest could be crucial up entrance for Cincinnati in Week 18 towards the Steelers.
The Bengals’ backfield could possibly be shorthanded for that contest, nevertheless. Operating again Chase Brown was injured late within the fourth quarter, and he didn’t return to the sport. Head coach Zac Taylor mentioned (by way of Tom Pelissero of NFL Community) that the ailment is an ankle sprain, however the severity is unknown at this level. Lacking Brown for the common season finale would deal a notable blow to Cincinnati’s dashing assault.
Since Zack Moss was misplaced for the 12 months in November as a result of a neck harm, Brown has taken on lead again duties. The second-year rusher produced no less than 94 scrimmage yards in every contest because the one Moss was injured in heading into Saturday’s motion. Brown has scored 11 whole touchdowns in 2024 after recording just one as a rookie. The 24-year-old Canadian’s absence would thus be sorely missed if he have been to be sidelined for Week 18.
If Brown can’t play towards Pittsburgh, Cincinnati would flip to commerce acquisition Khalil Herbert to deal with RB1 duties. After all, being shorthanded on the operating again spot would additionally result in an elevated reliance on quarterback Joe Burrow and the workforce’s dynamic passing assault. In any case, updates on each Orlando and Chase Brown will probably be value looking ahead to intently, given the Bengals’ standing as a postseason hopeful.
