Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle D’Ante Smith and running back Chris Evans suffered significant injuries during joint practices with the Chicago Bears this week.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Smith will miss the entire 2024 season with a patellar injury.
Evans, according to Jordan Schultz, suffered a torn patellar tendon and will also miss the season.
This matches the vibe after initial reports said that both players left practice with the Bears on carts with air casts on their legs. A downpour hit the outside joint session and muddied the field as the session proceeded.
These developments leave the Bengals dangerously thin at both spots. Offensive tackle is an emergency situation at this point, though, with Amarius Mims sidelined for a vague amount of time and Trent Brown already battling a new injury.
Given that, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Bengals make a move for an offensive tackle. Rookies like Elijah Collins, at least, will get a chance to make the final roster at running back behind Chase Brown and Zack Moss.
