Bengals Brace for Defensive Struggles as 2nd-Round Pick Sidelined with Thumb Injury

Bengals Brace for Defensive Struggles as 2nd-Round Pick Sidelined with Thumb Injury

After losing nose tackle D.J. Reader to the Detroit Lions this offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals have been grappling with how to manage their defensive line. They signed veteran 3-technique Sheldon Rankins to address the significant void left by Reader, but it’s clear that, with only Rankins and B.J. Hill as the starting defensive tackles, the team is moving forward without a true nose tackle in the lineup.

Cincinnati Bengals Miss Critical Depth Piece on Defensive Front

Without D.J. Reader on the roster, the Bengals adopted a somewhat risky strategy, drafting two potential nose tackles. In the second round, they selected undersized but powerful Michigan standout Kris Jenkins Jr., and in the third, they picked true nose tackle McKinnley Jackson. Unfortunately, Jackson was placed on injured reserve immediately due to a knee injury, and now Jenkins has joined the injury report after suffering a thumb injury in practice this week.

HELLO Kris Jenkins pic.twitter.com/D7DM10rSxD

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) August 17, 2024

Jenkins flashed potential during camp, earning the nickname “the mutant” for his extraordinary strength, a testament to his dedication in the weight room. Despite his smaller size, he was expected to have a breakout season and fill the critical nose tackle role. However, Jenkins has been ruled out for Week 1, leaving the Bengals with just Hill and Rankins to face the New England Patriots’ strong running game.

With Cincinnati’s ability to play from a lead and their weakened defensive front, the outcome of this game could hinge on who scores first. If the Bengals can limit New England’s late-game running, their defense could focus on the pass rush. But if they need to make key stops and come from behind, their defensive line may struggle with fatigue as the game progresses.