The Cincinnati Bengals are 0-6 on the season, the worst in the league (obviously). When they play their next game, they will struggle to even field a complete active roster of players who would be physically capable of playing. In other words, their injuries are so extensive that they may have to have players who are active and in uniform who would not be able to play before the game even begins.
That includes extensive injuries in the secondary, particularly at the cornerback position. Both of their starting cornerbacks, Dre Kirkpatrick and William Jackson III, have already been ruled OUT for tomorrow’s game against the Jacksonville Garnder Minshews. That’s with Darius Phillips already on the Reserve/Injured List. safety Shawn Williams is a bit banged up as well, but will play.
It’s a good thing that they just activated Darqueze Dennard from the Physically Unable to Perform List, then, as he and free agent signing B.W. Webb will be their starters in Jacksonville. Tony McRae will line up in the slot, and Torry McTyer is the only cornerback that they have on the bench.
Just imagine the Pittsburgh Steelers playing a game without Joe Haden and Steven Nelson. They have done the one, and they have done the other, but not both. Artie Burns and Cameron Sutton would have to play outside, with rookie Justin Layne on a redshirt year the only player on the bench, though Minkah Fitzpatrick would also be capable of moving around.
The point is, it’s not good. And it doesn’t matter who you’re facing, really. If you face an NFL quarterback without your starting cornerbacks, there is a pretty reasonable chance that bad things are going to happen. There is a reason that Dennard has never managed to make it as a full-time starter and has been limited to work as a slot defender. Webb has been a journeyman for his entire career, even spending a year in Pittsburgh.
And the Jaguars actually have a solid passing game, including one of the best young wide receivers in the NFL right now. Minshew will throw the ball around at all levels, even if his mustache has proven to be more lasting than his meteoric ascension.
Aside from their starting cornerbacks, also ruled out are starting offensive linemen Andre Smith and John Miller, wide receiver A.J. Green, and Carl Lawson, while Carlos Dunlap is doubtful to play. You have your inactive list right there.
Cordy Glenn would be included here as well, but the team has suspended him for one game after he apparently had a strong disagreement with the way in which the team has handled a concussion that he suffered in the preseason that he has yet to be able to return from.
