(This story was updated to add new information.)
Things looked really, really bad for the Cincinnati Bengals during the Week 7 win over the Cleveland Browns after a collision between defenders Vonn Bell and Geno Stone.
Stone suffered the worst of it, eventually leaving on a cart with his leg in a cast, which seemed to say it all. There is always the chance of precaution around injury treatments on the field, yes, but this one seemed pretty cut and dry.
Until the updates started to go public.
According to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, Stone was walking around the locker room without assistance after the game: “Geno Stone was in the locker room walking around on his own power. Still walking gingerly, obviously, but a good sign for him to not need any help/brace/etc getting out.”
Then, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler followed up on the injury: “X-rays were negative on #Bengals safety Geno Stone’s shin injury, per source. Positive news for the starter safety.”
It’s a huge boon for team and player. Stone seemed to finally turn a corner in the secondary on Sunday, recording what looked like his best game with the Bengals while picking off a pass.
If Stone has to miss time, names like Jordan Battle and Daijahn Anthony can work into the rotation with Bell in the secondary. But based on the initial reactions, the Bengals won’t be without their new starting safety for nearly as long as it seemed.
Update: Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told reporters that he likes Stone’s chances to play in Week 8.
