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Bengals Likely to Have Starting Cornerback Available in Madrid
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- Bengals Likely to Have Starting Cornerback Available in Madrid
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
The Cincinnati Bengals improved to 5-2 with a 43-36 overtime win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, extending their winning streak to three games. However, the victory came at a cost, as Cincinnati lost some significant defensive firepower to injury over the course of the afternoon .
The most serious loss was rookie defensive end Cashius Howell, who injured his right wrist and underwent surgery Sunday night. He was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, and Zac Taylor said he will miss weeks but is expected to return this season. That is a crucial blow for a pass rush that has relied on his production, as Howell ranks second among rookies with a 14.3% pressure rate. Defensive end Cedric Johnson also suffered an ankle injury, and he was limited in practice on Thursday.
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However, the injury the Bengals were most concerned about involved DJ Turner II. The cornerback was helped off the field in the fourth quarter with a heel injury, and he missed the remainder of regulation and overtime. Taylor called him day-to-day on Monday and said he would travel with the team to Spain.
Turner's absence was felt immediately, as he had been one of the most active players on the field before the injury. He forced two fumbles against the Titans, and he allowed just two catches for three yards on three targets. Losing a player who was making that kind of impact in a close game was a significant setback for the Cincinnati defense.
That update proved to be encouraging. Although Turner did not participate on Wednesday, the designation was only an estimate, as the team spent the day traveling rather than practicing. Then, during Thursday's session at the Spanish National Team Training Facility, Turner was a full participant. Taylor had expected him to be limited, which makes his full workload even more promising.
Having Turner available would be significant, especially with Drake London on the other side. London has caught 39 passes for 624 yards this season, which ranks sixth in the NFL, and his 544 yards since Week 3 are the fourth-most in the league during that span.
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Turner has been reliable in coverage as the Bengals' top cornerback, allowing 15 catches on 27 targets and an 81.6 passer rating. Without him, Cincinnati would have to adjust its secondary against one of the league's most productive receivers. The matchup also carries extra meaning for Turner, a native of Suwanee, Georgia, who would be facing his hometown team.
There is not complete certainty that Turner will play on Sunday in Madrid , as Friday's practice and the final injury designations are still to come. However, Thursday was a step in the right direction, and the Bengals appear likely to have their starting cornerback available in Madrid.
