The Cincinnati Bengals are grappling with a series of injuries that have struck early in the season, significantly affecting their lineup. Among the most notable injuries is that of quarterback Joe Burrow. Adding to the challenge, tight end Noah Fant is currently sidelined with a concussion, and rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart is at risk of missing his second consecutive game due to an ankle injury.
Recently joining this list is offensive guard Dalton Risner, a critical component of the Bengals’ offensive line, which has struggled considerably this season. Risner sustained a calf injury during last week’s lopsided defeat, prompting the team to rely on rookie Jalen Rivers as his replacement.
Rivers stepped onto the field for 23 out of 56 offensive snaps, managing to achieve a Pro Football Focus grade of 51.6 in what was his first appearance in a professional game. His performance caught the attention of head coach Zac Taylor, who commended Rivers for his readiness in the NFL.
### Caution Advised on Dalton Risner’s Injury
In a team announcement made today, the Bengals confirmed that Risner participated fully in practice sessions. Despite this positive update, concerns remain about the nature of his calf injury. Over the past few years, sports enthusiasts have become increasingly aware of how calf injuries can often lead to more severe problems, a lesson notably illustrated in the recent NBA playoffs.
Players such as Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton suffered serious setbacks after attempting to push through similar injuries, ultimately requiring surgery.
With the Bengals set to face the Denver Broncos on Monday, the extra day provides Risner with an opportunity for further recovery. Head coach Taylor expressed optimism regarding Risner’s potential to play, stating, “We got some options there, and we’ll go through the week and see where we are at,” when asked about the right guard position.
### Jalen Rivers’ Impressive Background
The Bengals may find themselves relying on Rivers more than anticipated. The rookie guard brings with him a wealth of experience and skill, having spent three years as a starter at the University of Miami. Drafted in the fifth round, Rivers made an immediate impact by starting seven games as a freshman in 2022. He transitioned to left tackle in 2023, where he played all thirteen games and earned All-ACC honors for his performance.
For his junior year, Rivers maintained his position at tackle, finishing his college career with an impressive total of 31 starts across multiple seasons. Standing at nearly six-foot-six, his combination of size, versatility, and high football IQ is expected to make him a valuable asset for NFL teams.
The Bengals coaching staff is optimistic about Rivers’ potential. They aim to help him evolve into a player with a skill set similar to that of Dalton Risner, highlighting the team’s commitment to developing young talent.
As the Bengals prepare for their matchup against the Broncos, the implications of these injuries extend beyond just the immediate game; they showcase the importance of depth in the roster and the challenges of navigating an NFL season. With every injury, a ripple effect occurs in the team’s strategies and game plans, making adaptability key in the highly competitive league.
In conclusion, while the Bengals face significant hurdles with injuries affecting pivotal players, the emergence of rookies like Jalen Rivers may provide a silver lining as they strive to secure a win against the Denver Broncos this coming Monday.
