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, nonetheless.
Left sort out 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 crew needing to win out to have an opportunity at a wild-card spot. Brown stated after the competition, nonetheless, that his fibula is damaged in two spots (h/t ESPN’s Ben Child).
That may be a somewhat notable disclosure given the severity of damaged bones and the missed time such accidents typically trigger. Brown was not charged with a sack or stress allowed in cross safety by PFF, although, an indication of how efficient he was in a position to be on Saturday regardless of the damage. Having him accessible for one more must-win contest can be crucial up entrance for Cincinnati in Week 18 towards the Steelers.
The Bengals’ backfield may very well be shorthanded for that contest, nonetheless. Operating again Chase Brown was injured late within the fourth quarter, and he didn’t return to the sport. Head coach Zac Taylor stated (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 speeding assault.
Since Zack Moss was misplaced for the yr in November as a result of a neck damage, Brown has taken on lead again duties. The second-year rusher produced at the least 94 scrimmage yards in every contest because the one Moss was injured in heading into Saturday’s motion. Brown has scored 11 complete touchdowns in 2024 after recording just one as a rookie. The 24-year-old Canadian’s absence would thus be sorely missed if he had been to be sidelined for Week 18.
If Brown can not play towards Pittsburgh, Cincinnati would flip to commerce acquisition Khalil Herbert to deal with RB1 duties. After all, being shorthanded on the working again spot would additionally result in an elevated reliance on quarterback Joe Burrow and the crew’s dynamic passing assault. In any case, updates on each Orlando and Chase Brown shall be value awaiting carefully, given the Bengals’ standing as a postseason hopeful.
