Bengals Wrap: Missed opportunities cost top game in Kansas City
Bengals reporter Kelsey Conway analyzes the Bengals’ Week 2 loss to the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Cincinnati Bengals will get one of their best players back on Monday night, as coach Zac Taylor confirmed on Saturday that wide receiver Tee Higgins will play.
After sustaining a hamstring injury during practice a few days before Cincinnati’s home opener, Higgins missed the Bengals’ first two games.
For the first time this season, quarterback Joe Burrow can rely on his entire arsenal of offensive weapons.
Taylor said he was “positive” about the status of safety Vonn Bell, even though he was unable to participate in Friday’s practice due to a back injury.
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The team will use the next 24 hours to evaluate how Bell is doing before deciding whether he will play against Washington. If Bell is unable to participate, second-year safety Jordan Battle will start in his place.
Rookie defensive tackle Kris Jenkins is expected to play his first game of the regular season. Jenkins underwent thumb surgery before Week 1 after injuring it in practice.
Jenkins’ return to the field comes at a good time for the Bengals, who are battling several injuries at defensive tackle.
Taylor has officially ruled out Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) from playing against the Commanders. BJ Hill also suffered a hamstring injury in Week 2, but the team is still waiting to see if he can play.
It’s worth noting that even though Hill didn’t practice all week and wasn’t in uniform, he was still present at practice to complete team drills, suggesting he’s at least more advanced than Rankins upon his return. Rankins hasn’t been spotted on the practice fields this week.
The Bengals will face the Commanders on Monday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. ET.
