Bengals suffer multiple tight end injuries ahead of short-week matchup vs. Steelers

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a tough challenge as they head into their matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. The team will most likely be without two of their key tight ends, putting added pressure on the offense to perform at a high level.

One of the tight ends expected to miss the game is C.J. Uzomah, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the team’s previous game. Uzomah had been a reliable target for quarterback Joe Burrow, recording 14 receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns in the first three games of the season. His absence will be felt on the field, as he was a valuable asset in both the passing game and as a blocker in the run game.

The other tight end who is unlikely to play in the game is Drew Sample, who is dealing with a shoulder injury. Sample had been a key contributor in the Bengals’ offense, particularly in the red zone, where he had hauled in two touchdown passes in the team’s first four games. His absence will force the Bengals to rely on their other tight ends to step up and fill the void left by Uzomah and Sample.

Without Uzomah and Sample in the lineup, the Bengals will likely turn to their depth at the tight end position to help fill the void. One player who could see an increased role is Thaddeus Moss, who was signed to the Bengals’ practice squad earlier in the season. Moss, the son of Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss, has shown promise in his limited opportunities and could be a factor in the passing game against the Steelers.

Another option for the Bengals is to utilize more two-tight end sets, with players like Cethan Carter and Mitchell Wilcox likely to see more playing time. Carter, in particular, has shown versatility as both a blocker and a receiver, and could be a valuable asset in helping to replace the production lost with Uzomah and Sample sidelined.

The absence of Uzomah and Sample will also put added pressure on the Bengals’ wide receivers to step up and make plays in the passing game. Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase will need to elevate their play to help make up for the absence of the team’s tight ends. Boyd, in particular, has been a reliable target for Burrow and will likely be leaned on heavily in the passing game against the Steelers.

In addition to the impact on the offense, the absence of Uzomah and Sample will also affect the Bengals’ ability to run the ball effectively. Both tight ends were key contributors in the team’s run-blocking schemes, and their absence will put added pressure on the offensive line to create running lanes for running backs Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine. Mixon, in particular, will need to have a strong performance to help take some of the pressure off Burrow and the passing game.

Defensively, the Bengals will need to step up and play at a high level to help offset the absence of Uzomah and Sample on offense. The team’s defense has been solid through the first four games of the season, but will face a tough test against the Steelers’ potent offense. Players like Jessie Bates, Vonn Bell, and Trey Hendrickson will need to lead the way and help keep the Bengals in the game against a talented Pittsburgh offense.

Special teams will also play a crucial role in the Bengals’ matchup against the Steelers. With the offense likely to be without two key tight ends, the special teams unit will need to step up and help provide good field position for the offense. Kicker Evan McPherson will need to be reliable in the kicking game, while punter Kevin Huber will need to help pin the Steelers deep in their own territory.

Overall, the Bengals face a tough challenge heading into their matchup against the Steelers on Thursday Night Football. The absence of tight ends C.J. Uzomah and Drew Sample will put added pressure on the offense to perform at a high level, while the defense will need to step up and play at a high level to help keep the team in the game. With key players likely sidelined, the Bengals will need to rely on their depth and other playmakers to help fill the void and come away with a victory against their division rival.

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Source: Sporting News