In a season already marred by setbacks, the Cincinnati Bengals finally received some encouraging news regarding the health of two key starters. According to head coach Zac Taylor, free safety Geno Stone and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. have seemingly dodged significant injuries following the team’s hard-fought victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Stone’s Shin Contusion Scare
The collective hearts of Bengals fans skipped a beat when Stone was carted off the field in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game. The scene was reminiscent of the numerous injuries that have plagued the team this season. However, initial fears were allayed when Stone managed to walk out of the locker room unassisted after the game.
Coach Taylor provided further reassurance, revealing that Stone suffered a shin contusion rather than a more severe injury. X-rays on the safety’s leg came back negative, indicating that he had avoided any fractures or structural damage.
“[With] both those guys having to come out and miss the game, to see that it’s going to be certainly more short-term is positive,” Taylor stated optimistically.
Brown’s Day-to-Day Calf Issue
Left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who has been a stalwart on the Bengals’ offensive line, also gave the team a scare when he exited Sunday’s game with a calf injury. Brown, who leads the NFL in pass block win rate among tackles, never returned to action but remained on the sideline in uniform without receiving treatment.
In the locker room after the win, Brown downplayed the severity of his injury. Coach Taylor echoed this sentiment, labeling Brown as day-to-day and expressing optimism about his recovery timeline.
“We’ll see where it gets through every single day this week and go from there,” Taylor said regarding Brown’s status.
Bright Spots Despite Injuries
Before their respective injuries, both Stone and Brown had been making positive contributions to the Bengals’ efforts. Stone registered his first interceptions with the team since signing a two-year contract in free agency, showcasing his value in the secondary.
Meanwhile, Brown has been a key factor in the offensive line’s impressive performance. Coach Taylor praised the unit as a whole:
“He’s done a really good job,” Taylor said of Brown. “I think our line has done a really good job.”
Next Man Up Mentality
Should Brown be unable to suit up for the upcoming clash against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Bengals will likely turn to Cody Ford to fill the void at left tackle. Ford finished Sunday’s game in Brown’s stead and would be the presumptive starter if needed.
The Bengals, who currently sit at 3-4, are desperate to claw their way back to a .500 record after a disappointing start to the season. While the injury bug has bitten them hard, the team remains focused on the task at hand.
A Glimmer of Hope
The relatively positive prognoses for Stone and Brown provide a much-needed glimmer of hope for a Bengals squad that has been battered by injuries and adversity. As the team prepares for a crucial stretch of games, having two key starters potentially available could prove invaluable.
For now, the Bengals will take solace in the fact that they have avoided the worst-case scenario with these latest injuries. As they continue to navigate the treacherous waters of an unforgiving NFL season, every small victory counts.
The road ahead remains challenging, but with a bit of luck and the resilience they’ve shown thus far, the Bengals will keep fighting tooth and nail to turn their season around. The news on Stone and Brown, while not definitive, provides a much-needed boost as they prepare for the battles to come.
