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Monday, it didn’t see like that big of a deal when Jessie Bates, Tee Higgins and even Chidobe Awuzie popped up on the Cincinnati Bengals’ “estimated” practice report as a DNP.
After all, it was the day after a tough game in Pittsburgh. Generally, fans don’t hear about documented injury issues until Wednesday of a normal week.
This, of course, isn’t a normal week as the Bengals get ready to play on Thursday.
Tuesday changed this idea pretty dramatically. That evening, Bates, Higgins and Awuzie were again listed as DNP. Trae Waynes did return full, but as Geoff Hobson of the team’s official website pointed out, now it’s time to start worrying:
After Tuesday’s light night practice, Bengals could be without Bates (neck), Higgins (shoulder) and Awuzie (groin) for Jags. All DNP Tuesday. But Waynes (hamstring) went full and looks on target for Bengals debut. Reiff went limited
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) September 29, 2021
This doesn’t guarantee Bates and Higgins will miss the game against the Jaguars, but ideally, the coaches would like them to have some practice reps before getting out there.
Waynes going full is at least good news, though given how shaky he’s been since putting ink to paper with the team, it’s probably safe to expect he’ll be on a pitch count. His job will be droves harder if Bates isn’t there to play the deep middle, too.
Tomorrow is the big deal for the injury report — fans will find out then whether two of the best players on either side of the ball will be able to give it a go Thursday.
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