Cincinnati Bengals Veteran Misses Third Straight Practice

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dax Hill was sidelined for the third consecutive practice Sunday as he continues to deal with what is believed to be a hamstring injury, according to multiple reports. .

Hill has been inactive since Thursday, when he hobbled off the field after appearing to tweak his hamstring while covering Tee Higgins downfield. He did not return to Thursday’s session and has now missed three consecutive practices.

Head coach Zac Taylor said Hill would be evaluated following the injury, but there has not been an official report on the severity of the injury or a timeline for his return.

Hill’s absence comes at a critical time for the Bengals, who are gearing up for their first preseason game against Detroit on Thursday night. The revamped defense is entering the season with new expectations, and with Taylor’s plan to have the starters play in the preseason opener, having the fifth-year cornerback on the field is important.

With the heightened expectations placed on the defense, Hill has played a huge role in setting the tone to begin training camp. He has been a standout during the first few weeks of practice and has become one of the leaders of Al Golden’s defense.

The injury surely will have Hill’s availability for Thursday’s game against the Lions up in the air, giving the Bengals an opportunity to evaluate the talent they have in the depth pieces of the cornerback room.

The Bengals have continued to get opportunities to evaluate their depth in Hill’s absence. D.J. Ivey and other defensive backs have seen increased opportunities as the team works through its options behind the starters.

Tacario Davis could be the biggest beneficiary of the injury as he sits behind Hill on the current depth chart. The rookie has shown flashes throughout his first few months in Cincinnati, and a few days could give him the boost he needs to develop into an important piece of the Bengals’ defense this season.

For now, Taylor and the training staff appear to be taking a cautious approach to Hill’s return, which is to be expected at this point in the year. With no timetable established, his status will remain one to monitor as the preseason opener inches closer.

The Bengals have stayed rather healthy so far, so they should be in no hurry to risk a starting cornerback’s health in order to have him available later this week. Look for Davis and other young defensive backs to step in until the veteran returns.