The Cincinnati Bengals won’t have some key players in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Facing an 0-2 hole on the road, the Bengals listed the following players as doubtful on the final injury report:
- Tee Higgins
- Tanner Hudson
- Amarius Mims
- Kris Jenkins
By far the most concerning is Higgins, whose latest hamstring injury popped up during the final prep for Week 1. That was a big reason Joe Burrow’s offense struggled so much in the loss to New England.
While Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase figure to have a better connection against the Chiefs, the lack of production for the likes of Andrei Iosivas suggests the team might want to take a look at rookie Jermaine Burton a good amount. That, despite some of his reported issues this summer.
At offensive tackle, the Bengals will need a much better game from veteran Trent Brown with the first-rounder Mims still on his way back from the pec injury.
The rookie Jenkins is a big loss too, considering fellow rookie McKinnley Jackson is on injured reserve. That leaves Jay Tufele and Zach Carter as the primary guys tasked with big depth roles as the team attempts to replace DJ Reader.
And at tight end, Hudson’s absence isn’t a big ordeal because it might be the strongest spot on the roster. Rookie Erick All earned himself a serious look in the preseason and Mike Gesicki is still finding his footing as the top guy on the depth chart.
