Bengals injury update: What Iosivas and Davis' return means for Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Bengals could get some help on their roster in the near future, as they opened the practice window for cornerback Jalen Davis, wide receiver Andrei Iosivas and guard Brian Parker II.

Parker won't add much beyond emergency depth for Cincinnati's offensive line, but both Iosivas and Davis play important roles on Cincinnati's roster. Iosivas suffered a thumb injury in the Bengals' win over the Houston Texans. He was given a four- to six-week timeline for a return, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. 

Iosivas has three catches for 19 yards this season, and Cincinnati's passing attack hasn't been significantly affected by his absence. Tee Higgins is having an All-Pro-level season with 758 receiving yards, good for fifth in the NFL. Ja'Marr Chase had a relatively slow start to the season but has recorded more than 140 yards in back-to-back weeks for the first time in his career.

Iosivas told the media after practice that this was one of the happiest days he's had in a while and that he's excited to rejoin the Bengals' passing attack. Dohnte Meyers has been the No. 3 wide receiver in Iosivas' absence, posting 17 catches for 204 yards since Iosivas was placed on injured reserve. Adding a veteran player who has been in your system is always a good thing, so mistakes or miscommunication will be largely avoided in critical situations.

Davis will slot back in as the backup nickel cornerback behind Dax Hill. Josh Newton has been in that spot during Davis' absence and has struggled, allowing 116 yards on 10 targets over the past two games. Davis, who was injured in the Bengals' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, has allowed 118 yards on 12 targets in three games, while recording six tackles.

There have been some injury concerns with DJ Turner this season, with a hamstring issue early in the season and a heel issue in Week 8. Davis' return adds depth to a Bengals cornerback room that has been disappointing this season, with Turner ranked 49th and Hill ranked 115th among cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus this year. Despite the poor PFF grade, many would still say Turner is one of the more underrated players in the NFL and will soon be paid No. 1 cornerback money, either from an extension with the Bengals or in free agency after the season, unless he is franchise-tagged.

Cincinnati plays the Steelers on "Sunday Night Football" this week for a chance to take sole possession of first place in the AFC North.