Bengals Face Devastating Setbacks in Playoff Pursuit
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals are grappling with a series of injuries that could define a season slipping away. As they suffered a disheartening 24-0 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens, the weight of the injuries became painfully evident.
Injury Woes Mount
The Bengals’ roster took a significant hit during the game. Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. left the field with a left ankle injury, and his return remains doubtful. Running back Samaje Perine is dealing with a right ankle injury, casting uncertainty on his future participation. Offensive tackle Amarius Mims also sustained a right knee injury, and like his teammates, his status is questionable moving forward.
The cumulative effect of these injuries has left Cincinnati limping toward the season’s conclusion, with playoff hopes extinguished for what seems to be the eighth time in the last ten seasons.
A Frigid Struggle
The frigid conditions on Sunday certainly didn’t help matters. Players struggled to maintain their footing and composure in a game that saw numerous injuries pile up. The Bengals’ record now stands at a dismal 4-10, positioning them for their first top ten draft pick since Joe Burrow’s rookie year.
Historic Shutout at Home
Most concerning is the fact that the Bengals failed to score a single point in the game, marking the first home shutout since 2017—a grim milestone that also came at the hands of the Ravens. That previous encounter ended in a 20-0 loss, a haunting reminder of the struggles that have plagued the franchise.
As the Bengals confront these challenges, the road ahead looks increasingly daunting, with both injuries and the specter of missed playoffs looming large.
