With key starters hobbled and depth depleted by injuries, Cincinnati’s vulnerable secondary must withstand Jacksonville’s passing attack to avoid a costly second consecutive defeat.
The Cincinnati Bengals' secondary is in poor shape ahead of their Week 4 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They will face a dangerous passing tandem in Trevor Lawrence and breakout wide receiver Parker Washington.
DJ Turner was a surprise addition to the injury report as a limited participant in practice with an ankle injury. He was added to the injury report just before the first game of the season and played with no limitations, so this isn’t a major concern right now.
Safety Bryan Cook suffered an injury against the Steelers and missed much of the second half, but returned late in the game, showing positive signs that it wasn’t a long-term injury. Cook has been limited all week with an ankle injury.
Safety Jordan Battle has also been limited all week with a hamstring injury. Battle has played close to 200 snaps in three games this season and has struggled with a 37.6 grade from PFF.
Depth safety Kyle Dugger has not practiced the last two days with a quadriceps injury. He played in Cook’s absence against the Steelers. Jalen Davis was placed on injured reserve after the game against the Steelers, so not only is the Bengals' defensive backfield severely hobbled, but their second wave is also very questionable at the time.
Jacksonville’s passing yards and attempts per game are both outside of the top 20. Running back Bhayshul Tuten has had a successful first season as the feature back in the Jaguars' offense. In total offense, the Jaguars rank 17th in the league with 314.3 yards per game.
This could be a huge game for the Bengals' defensive line, and it may come down to whether they can play big enough to pull out a win. The Jaguars have one of the league's worst offensive lines, according to Pro Football Focus, and the Bengals' defensive front will want to bounce back after sacking Aaron Rodgers only twice last week.
Following the injury news for the Bengals will be very important in the coming days, as some consequential players may or may not be available. The defense's struggle without Bryan Cook in Pittsburgh was telling, as he has been a successful signing through three games. DJ Turner will also have a huge matchup with Parker Washington that will be must-see TV. It’d be a shame if the Bengals ended up losing and a big factor was injuries, as two straight losses can really derail a season early.
